Manchester United’s season is entering the final couple of months and the chances to win silverware have now gone. United are still playing for a Champions League qualification place, but there is no room for error.
A couple of bad results would put United off course, and then Ralf Rangnick may begin to think about giving chances to young players.
United have several top talents who are deserving of opportunities, some of who have already made their first team debuts. Here is a look at six players who United could integrate into the first team…
Alejandro Garnacho
Garnacho is currently away with Argentina on international duty which itself speaks volumes for how highly he is regarded.
The 17-year-old has scored 15 goals in all competitions for United’s academy sides this season, with five in the FA Youth Cup.
The Youth Cup will be Garnacho’s priority, but after the final, Garnacho could find himself in for a first team promotion.
The former Atletico youngster is an explosive player who could bring some real excitement to the attacking positions if given his opportunity.
Shola Shoretire
Without being flashy, Shola Shoretire has had a very consistent and productive season for Manchester United’s academy sides.
The 18-year-old has eight goals and 10 assists in all competitions and became one of the club’s youngest ever players when he made his debut last season.
Shoretire has already played once under Ralf Rangnick against Young Boys, which will count in his favour.
Zidane Iqbal
Rangnick handed Zidane Iqbal his debut in December and the young midfielder could be called up for a Premier League opportunity if the manager wants to mix it up.
Iqbal has since gone onto play international football for Iraq, and has continued to shine for United’s academy teams, impressing in the UEFA Youth League clash with Dortmund.
Iqbal has chipped in with four goals this season from midfield for United’s academy sides.
Charlie Savage
Savage was another young player handed his debut by Rangnick and the teenager has continued to go from strength to strength since.
Robbie Savage’s son could provide an option in the defensive midfield role if United choose to bring him through, and he has started adding goals to his game too, with two strikes for the under-23s over the past month.
Hannibal
Hannibal has been training with Manchester United’s first team over the past few weeks and made the bench for the Champions League clash away to Atletico Madrid.
The teenager already has 11 international caps for Tunisia and is being readied for first team action. It should be a priority for Rangnick to bring him through between now and the end of the season.
Hannibal could step in for Paul Pogba or Fred in midfield, or into an attacking role if Bruno Fernandes is given a rare rest.
Alvaro Fernandez
Alvaro Fernandez has been a real force at left-back for the under-23s this season, impressing with his attacking displays.
The former Real Madrid youngster has eight assists and three goals, and would be an exciting player to add into the first team mix.
Neither Luke Shaw or Alex Telles have made an outstanding claim to the left-back spot themselves, so Fernandez could really shake the position up.
Charlie McNeill
It’s impossible to leave Charlie McNeill out of the list when Manchester United need a young new striker.
McNeill has scored for the academy at a prolific rate, with 13 goals this season and 25 last year, and he can benefit from being promoted for a game or two to show what he can do.
The 18-year-old would love the chance to step up and follow in the footsteps of Marcus Rashford, who famously grabbed his opportunity when it came.
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