Academy players to look out for next season

By Josh Coleman, published on 07/06/21

Manchester United has a proud history of having a fantastic youth setup. In over 4000 consecutive games and counting, Man Utd have fielded at least one academy graduate every game. A long standing record going back to before the Second World War that is unrivalled by any other club.

Year after year producing fantastic talents that play a role in Utd’s first team for years to come. Last season was no exception, we have seen some incredible talents such as Shoretire and Elanga get first team minutes, and showcase their abilities to the first team staff and fans. This piece however will be discussing the talents that we should be looking out for next season, those who have made little/no minutes in the main eleven so far but can likely expect to see more of going into the 2021/22 season.

Charlie McNeill

Starting with Charlie McNeill, an incredibly talented young striker with a poacher's instinct and fantastic finishing ability, he has led the line up front for the under 18s this season. Returning to Utd from rivals Man City last season, after scoring over 600 goals at youth level. McNeill returned with quite the reputation. It is safe to say he has so far lived up to that. Scoring 24 goals this season, he has proved himself levels above the standard of under 18s, scoring more goals than anyone else in the league.

At 17, it is likely we will see him play for the under 23s next season. However, McNeill is an exceptional talent, with his movement and ability being way beyond the standard of under 18s and could very well be beyond the standard of the PL2, this would have to be seen when the next season begins. So therefore, if he is to continue his form and upward trajectory into next season, we cannot take a first team debut off the cards.(Manchester United, 2020)

Hannibal Mejbri

We saw Mejbri get his first minutes in a United shirt against Wolves at the end of last season. It was quite the reveal, incredibly confident on the ball he didn't look like a player making his debut. At just 18 years old, he has been one of the stand out players for Neil Wood’s side, making 20 appearances with 12 goals and assists from the no. 10 role. He is a fantastic ball player, with natural ability, and a playstyle likened to that of Jack Grealish making him one of the most fouled players in the PL2. With some first team minutes this season, and being promoted to first team training in the latter stages of last season, means that Mejbri is an exciting talent that we will begin to see more and more in the next season.

Joe Hugill

Signed this season from Sunderland at a massive £297k for a youth player, Joe Hugill has had a fantastic first season in an under 23s side littered with talent. Starting the season in the under 18s, Hugill bagged 6 goals and 1 assist in just 5 appearances. Then earning a place in the under 23s, he then spent the rest of the season in the under 23s, going on to score 10 and assist 2 in 18 appearances. Due to the likely promotion of Charlie McNeill from the under 18s, Hugill may be pushed up to the senior squad to accommodate this, but more importantly, his immense talent would also warrant him a spot in and around the first team. Therefore he is certainly a player to watch out for next season.

Will Fish

An 18 year old centre back who has spent his whole career so far at Man Utd, is certainly a player to look out for next season. Making over 2000 minutes last season in the under 23s, he played more minutes than anyone else in the squad. A natural leader, being captain of the under 23s, as well as being a rock at the back and comfortable on the ball, Fish definitely has great potential.

As well as this, being promoted to the first team training squad and making a short lived debut against Wolves, coming on in the final minutes shows how close he is to breaking into the squad and making more regular appearances. However, it is difficult for a young defender to break into a first team, as experience is a highly important trait to have, so it may also be likely we see him go on loan at some point in the near future. If not though, we are likely to see more of Fish next season.

Alvaro Fernandez

Last but not least is the 18 year old signed from Real Madrid this season on a free transfer, he has definitely impressed from left back in the under 23s. With exceptional creativity from a deeper position, Fernandez has got 5 assists and a goal from 20 appearances. While not only being a good attacking player, his defensive qualities are not to be underestimated. Difficult to beat in one on ones, and an exceptional tackler, Fernandez has all the attributes to in future become Man Utd’s primary left back. If the 18 year old is to keep up his form, it would not come as a surprise if he was to be implemented to the first team at some point next season. While Shaw and Telles would have priority in this position, we could definitely begin to see Fernandez earn himself some game time.