With the lack of attacking options currently at Manchester United is it time for a chance to be given to Charlie McNeill? The youngster has been mightily impressive in the academy and there have been calls for him to be given a real chance in the first team.
His goal-scoring record last season was fantastic. Across 32 games in all competitions McNeill scored 17 goals and provided seven assists. The 18-year-old was also a vital part of the team that won the FA Youth Cup.
It's a competition that holds a special place in a lot of United fans’ hearts. Notable teams of past winners have been the ‘class of 92’ and the team of 2011 with such stars as Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Will Keane and Ravel Morrison.
Also read: United confident of more signings before window closes
The history of promoting youth and having such a strong academy is something that United fans are extremely proud of, going all the way back to Busby’s Babes. With the current manager, Erik ten Hag, having a history of developing young players and giving youth a chance to shine, this seems like the perfect opportunity for McNeill to be given a chance from the bench.
Furthermore, this would be an option who is here for the long-term. United have not brought in a striker with an eye on the future since Anthony Martial, some five years ago.
Ageing strikers seem to have been on the agenda for some years now at Old Trafford with Cristiano Ronaldo, Edinson Cavani and moving further back to Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The sign of a truely top club is the ability to adapt in the face of adversity. Not to panic buy ageing strikers looking for one last big pay cheque and finish their playing career at the biggest club in the world.
Marko Arnautovic is a 33-year-old who played last season at Bologna and two seasons prior in the Chinese Super League. Not to disrespect those moves but that is clearly a serious step away from playing at the top level in the Premier League and many fans had concerns over his potential arrival. They were relieved when the club ended their pursuit and they now hope that the club doesn't move for a different ageing striker.
The risk with bringing in a new signing is always of how that player will adapt to the club and their new surroundings. However, with promoting from within that mentality should already be instilled.
With the correct development plan in place and enough time allowed for the natural development and nurturing of a player we could see McNeill become a real force for United. Hopefully, Ten Hag sees the same future for the talented youngster and gives him the chance to impress rather than panicking and sign another older striker who could fail to impress and waste more of United’s limited budget.
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