Manchester United are the most successful club in the history of the FA Youth Cup, and this month marked the Red Devils’ 11th triumph in the competition.
A record 67,000 people packed out Old Trafford to watch United storm to a 3-1 win against Nottingham Forest, capping off what has been a season to forget for the club with a much-needed moment of positivity.
United’s academy and reputation as one of the best clubs in the world for developing players has somewhat stalled in recent years, though this new generation, named by some fans as the ‘Class of ‘22’, have brought hope to supporters that the future could be bright.
Indeed, a leap up to U-23s football could be the next sensible option for many of the players in United’s FA Youth Cup-winning squad, though some might already be ideal for a loan out to a professional club, and here are just three players who could take the plunge this summer.
Isak Hansen-Aaroen
A talent who has already trained with the United first team and was instrumental in the Red Devils’ run to the FA Youth Cup final, Isak Hansen-Aaroen is a player who is already turning heads at Carrington.
17-years-old and already a player who has experience playing at a senior level with former side Tromso in his native Norway, Hansen-Aaroen already looks ready to return to the professional game after just two years of training at United.
Able to play in both central midfield and in the attack, Hansen-Aaroen could make huge steps in his development next season if United make the decision to loan out the Norwegian in the summer, with the teenager no doubt an attractive option for clubs both in England and in his homeland.
Marc Jurado
Another exciting prospect United plucked from abroad, Marc Jurado started at right-back against Forest at Old Trafford and was impressive both defensively and in the attack, and after now learning the art of football at both FC Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy and now with the Red Devils, the fullback could be ready for the next leap.
With a high footballing IQ and the versatility to play anywhere down the right-hand side of the pitch, Jurado could be well suited to a loan move that will help the defender improve on his physicality and understanding of the senior game.
As the first player United have signed from Barcelona’s academy since Gerard Pique, expectations are high for Jurado, and the 18-year-old is more than ready for a real crack at playing professional football next season.
Charlie McNeill
United made a big risk by spending close to £1m for Manchester City talent Charlie McNeill in 2020, but two years later and some incredible viral moments from the striker, the move is looking to have paid off.
Scorer of 17 goals in all competitions this season and already a player who has become a fan favourite for his mischievous antics in provoking City and Liverpool, McNeill looks destined to become a legend at United, but the club themselves have to be smart about the striker.
We have seen plenty of talented strikers come and go at United without making much of an impact, and for McNeill, heading out on loan this summer for a proper taste of the senior game will be a logical move from the Red Devils.
With McNeill already a regular at Premier League 2 level and impressing in the UEFA Youth League this season, a loan move to the EFL or even to a European side would be wise for United and could be the decision that unlocks the next level of the striker’s potential.