During the 3-1 win for Manchester United U21s v Chester, I saw Gabriele Biancheri play a starring role, he deserves a chance.
As the senior squad headed to Los Angeles with several of the youngsters who impressed Erik ten Hag most, the academy players snubbed of their spot on the plane headed to Chester for a friendly which ended 3-1 to United.
Here, I got to catch a first glimpse of Gabriele Biancheri this season as he bagged two first-half goals for Manchester United against the Vanarama National League North side.
Biancheri was joined on the scoresheet by James Bailey who made his U21 debut, with an immediate impact and proving himself to be one to watch.
But of everyone, it’s the Welsh striker who has caught the eye and with the form he’s been in from last season and continuing this pre-season, Ten Hag surely has to take notice.
Gabriele Biancheri continues hot scoring streak
The rise of Gabriele Biancheri over the past year has been pretty impressive, as he ended the 2023/24 season with seven goals in five games.
A tally of 12 goals and three assists in 20 U18 Premier League appearances points toward the fact he’s a star on the rise and against Chester, the 17-year-old continued to prove that point.
The striker scored two first-half goals at the Deva Stadium in CH1 on Wednesday night, with the first in particular being an excellent strikers finish.
To bag a brace against senior opposition shows that Biancheri is as an exciting prospect as any in the club right now and I was very impressed by his movement and finishing ability.
Compared to when he first arrived at the club in 2023, he’s come on leaps and bounds, with this coming season likely to see him a U21 regular, depending on what happens with Ethan Wheatley.
Erik ten Hag could have his Europa League wildcard
This coming season it will be interesting to see how Ten Hag utilises his striking options, with Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund the two who will likely alternate minutes.
But behind the two starring number nines, both Wheatley and Biancheri will be looking to make their mark and get what little minutes will be available.
Wheatley is a year older and is heading on tour with United in the USA, but due to his age and the fact he won’t get game-time, maybe he will end up heading on loan like Joe Hugill has done.
In this event, Biancheri likely becomes third choice, although Chido Obi-Martin’s arrival could hinder this.
However, if Biancheri is to be given a chance, it could come via a favourable Europa League draw, where he could be involved in resting the starters fully.
Biancheri could be a wildcard option for Ten Hag this summer considering he’s yet to make his debut. But if he continues scoring at this rate, he can’t be denied, or alternatively could lead to a loan.
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