Manchester United have been fortunate enough to hold several top talents in their academy over the past few seasons. Some of whom have gone on to make a name for themselves, such as the ever-impressive Alejandro Garnacho. But there are many more players in the academy that share that same potential.
Kobbie Mainoo
The Stockport-born youngster has been on the radar of many United fans recently after his first-team debut in a friendly against Cadiz in December. The midfielder scored his first goal for the first team against the Spanish club as he controlled the midfield in a great performance. Born in 2005, aged 17, Mainoo certainly has youth on his side, and he has already made an impression on his new boss.
Mainoo can usually be found training with the first team, with the likes of world-class midfielders like Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, and was rewarded with a first competitive start against Charlton on Tuesday night.
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Isak Hansen-Aarøen
Hansen-Aarøen was selected by Ten Hag for United’s friendly against Rayo Vallecano at the beginning of the season after an impressive season with the under-21s. The midfielder has been praised for his versatility and his ability to adapt to each position.
The Norwegian was once again impressive in his last appearance for the United reserves last Friday, replacing an injured Mainoo, and created several chances. So far this season, he has played on both wings and across the midfield, but it was from the left wing where he posed a threat against Fulham. The youngster is yet to break into the first team but time is on his side.
Marc Jurado
Marc Jurado is another player who was purchased from another team as a youngster, this time, from Barcelona in 2020. The 18-year-old was promoted to the under-21 team last season and he has not looked out of place since. As a right-back, Jurado has put in an array of solid performances. So far this season, he’s made 17 appearances for the youth team, with three goals and an assist to his name. He’s another player who was granted a first-team debut against Cadiz in December and he was immediately instrumental in creating a goal.
Much like Hansen-Aarøen, Jurado is yet to undergo consistent training sessions with the first team, but at the age of 18, there will be plenty of opportunities to do so before the season is over. Ten Hag must have confidence in the player to promote him to the first team for the friendly but due to the amount of full-backs that are currently available, the Spaniard may be sent on loan in the future for game time.
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