Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes and co expressed their delight on social media after Manchester United clinched a Champions League spot on Sunday.
Europe’s top club competition is better for having United and it’s top players in it.
And so too is Europe’s top developmental tournament, the UEFA Youth League.
United have qualified for the competition again as a result of the first team’s success.
This is a major boost for the club’s academy players and their own development.
Great experience
Assuming the 2020/21 UEFA Youth League goes ahead of course, Manchester United’s players will benefit from involvement in the tournament.
At youth level these games have a big game feel, with the teenagers excited to test themselves against their European peers.
The tournament is for United’s under-19 players, meaning many of the under-18s who reached the FA Youth Cup semi-finals will get a chance to feature.
Centre-back prospect Teden Mengi will be eligible to play, for instance, providing he is not part of United’s first team squad by then.
Mason Greenwood, 18, for instance would also be eligible to play, but he will be competing in the real Champions League with the first team.
Three potential stars
The competition is an ideal staging post for United’s top academy talent to shine and show they are ready for first team call-ups.
Here is a look at three players who could shine for United in the tournament…
Hannibal Mejbri: Last summer’s star academy signing from Monaco is already an under-23s regular. But the chance to put him on this stage will be too good for United to turn down. Mejbri may soon be pushing the first team and is only 17. Strong performances in this tournament could accelerate his chances.
Anthony Elanga: Young winger Anthony Elanga was prolific this past season for the under-18s, scoring seven goals and providing three assists in nine matches. This is an ideal chance for the Sweden youth international to shine.
Shola Shoretire: Shoretire became United’s youngest ever player in the UEFA Youth League when he was handed a debut in 18 at just 15-years-old. Now 17 and a regular in the FA Youth Cup run, Shoretire is on his way to living up to the high hopes United have for him. Expect the young winger to play a prominent role.
- Man Utd may immediately repeat their successful Youri Tielemans ‘trick’ with their next midfield signing
- Why Man Utd’s brand-new Adidas away shirt for 2026/27 Premier League season is in blue design
- Alejandro Garnacho’s Aston Villa spell could determine which of his two ex-Man Utd teammates’ footsteps he follows
- There’s one major difference with how Benjamin Sesko looks in training
- What Manchester United’s XI vs Rosenborg looked like in 2024 pre-season clash
- Unprecedented transfer move: Man Utd swoop for third midfielder would rip up the club’s transfer history
- Michael Carrick’s Chido Obi decision vs Wrexham is puzzling after JJ Gabriel’s inclusion for Rosenborg
- There is one thing missing from the Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo combination
- Wayne Rooney thinks one World Cup moment proves why Sir Alex Ferguson was ‘best’ in crucial tactical area
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
