Man Utd’s next generation of future stars as three young hopefuls depart Old Trafford
Manchester United have started their pre-season tour of the US with a number of young stars, but some other talent has left Old Trafford this summer
When Manchester United faced Young Boys in the Champions League in 2021, it looked like a watershed moment for the next generation of academy stars, but some involved have already moved on to new pastures.
Zidane Iqbal made a much talked about exit and goes to Utrecht in the Eredivisie. Charlie Savage, who made a late cameo alongside fellow midfielder, will also leave Old Trafford.
A third academy star, Ethan Laird, also passed after being tipped for the lead after an unfortunate run with injuries. However, there are still some talented newcomers out there, and Mirror Football has a roundup of some of those starlets.
Joe Hugill
Hugill had already impressed as a youth before scoring against Leeds in pre-season. United won the race to sign the striker from Sunderland when he was just 16, with Arsenal, among others.
The 19-year-old has scored 24 goals in 41 Premier League 2 games. He also scored his first goal of his professional career last season, netting against York City on loan at Altrincham.
Noam Emeran
French talent Emeran was the other goalscorer in the game against Leeds. The 20-year-old journeyed through his career at Amiens before opting for United ahead of a string of top European players.
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The winger celebrated a brilliant end to the 2022/23 season for United’s Under-21 side. He’s scored four goals in the last three Premier League 2 games, helping United’s young talents rise to top-flight status.
Hannibal
Hannibal is perhaps a bit more established than the others on this list. However, after spending last season on loan, this season could be a chance for him to really impress Erik ten Hag.
With three Premier League appearances and 24 caps for Tunisia, it’s easy to forget the midfielder is only 20 years old. An impressive year on loan at Birmingham, in which he made 38 league appearances, will make him feel like he can deliver at a higher level.
Alvaro Fernández
Another man who spent last season in the Championship is Fernandez. The full-back, who spent time at Real Madrid’s academy, made 27 starts for Preston last season. “I hope this is my dream now,” he said when asked about more minutes for his parent’s club. “I have to come back in preparation for next season and we’ll see. Erik ten Hag has to choose whether they want me there or not.”
Dan Gore
Gore joined the likes of Fernandez and Hannibal in United’s squad for their US tour. The midfielder played in Donny van de Beek’s win against Lyon in their last friendly match and now has more time to impress.
The England youth international, just 18, played a prominent role in United’s run to the 2022 FA Youth Cup final. He captained the side in the same competition that season, although they didn’t make it past the fourth round.
Kobbie Mainoo
Another midfielder, Mainoo needs no introduction for Man Utd fans. The native made his debut last season when he started against Charlton in the EFL Cup and also made his Premier League debut when United beat Leicester in February.
According to The Athletic, Ten Hag has no intention of loaning the 18-year-old out. After giving the tour group his name, the manager gets a chance to see him more.
Omari Forsson
Forson, another 18-year-old, may not be well known to some watching the tour. The midfielder is still awaiting his first-team debut, but scored for the Under-21 side in the EFL Trophy last season.
The London talent is an England under-19 international who scored twice in Euro qualifying. He also opened his own UEFA Youth League account with United in 2021, earning a win over Atalanta as the Red Devils’ youngsters reached the last 16.
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