Manchester United wonderkid Rhys Bennett could be given the nod for the Premier League game against Wolves on Saturday.
Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag is facing a selection dilemma at centre-back due to the impact of the World Cup. He was forced to start Luke Shaw in the unfamiliar role against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday due to the unavailability of Lisandro Martinez.
The Argentine is expected to be available to play at Molineux, although there are still doubts over Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof due to an illness sweeping through the United camp. As such, Bennett - a 19-year-old defender - could be involved on Saturday.
Bennett was born and raised in Manchester and is the club's under-18 captain. He was United's skipper during their successful FA Youth Cup campaign last season - playing alongside Alejandro Garnarcho - and has made three EFL Trophy appearances this term.
Bennett was an unused substitute in the 3-0 home win against Forest and could be involved against Wolves if Maguire and Lindelof are still unavailable. He could even start if Ten Hag wants to ease Martinez back into the fold after his World Cup triumph with Argentina.
Playing Shaw at centre-back again is another option, but Bennett's inclusion would allow the England international to return to his preferred role on the left of the defence. Raphael Varane, who lost the World Cup final with France, is expected to continue at centre-back.
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As reported by the Manchester Evening News, Ten Hag's faith in Bennett was evident during United's training session on Thursday, when the youngster left a strong impression. The 19-year-old was involved throughout and hasn't returned to the reserves - despite the return of Martinez, Varane and others.
Bennett got his chance to leave an impression on his boss during the World Cup break and seems assured with his new surroundings. United are renowned for giving young players a chance, with Youth Cup winners more likely to get a shot in the first team.
The last United side to win the Youth Cup in 2011 included Jesse Lingard, Paul Pogba and Michael Keane - not bad company for Bennett to join. The likes of George Best, David Beckham, Gary Neville and Bobby Charlton also won the competition with United.
Bennett will be eager to get a shot in the first team sooner rather than later. "Coming up through the ranks at United, it’s obviously a dream to play at Old Trafford," he told United's website. "It’s just an amazing feeling to step out on the pitch and give it our all.
"It’s an unbelievable experience. I can’t take it for granted. You don’t know how many times you’re going to step out at Old Trafford. Every single time you do, you’ve got to just embrace it, go and give your all and hopefully keep working hard to play as many games at Old Trafford as possible. I love it every time I step out."
Molinuex may not be Old Trafford, but it will feel like it if Bennett is given the opportunity against Wolves. With Martinez available, his hopes of starting look slim - but there's every chance he could play a part on Saturday. "We need impact from the bench," admitted Ten Hag at his pre-match press conference.
