Charlie McNeill has a big few months to try and break into Manchester United first team

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Manchester United are hunting for a new striker who can aid the team’s search for goals in the second half of the season.

A lack of funds has United reportedly weighing up emergency loan deals, BBC Sport report.

So wouldn’t it be perfect if a striker was to come through Manchester United’s academy and follow Marcus Rashford’s route to stardom?

Step forward Charlie McNeill, who will hope to become Erik ten Hag’s solution.

Charlie McNeill needs a chance

Charlie McNeill made his Manchester United debut earlier this season against Real Sociedad, becoming the first academy player handed his first team bow under Erik ten Hag.

Now, will McNeill simply be the answer to a trivia question in a few years’ time, or can he turn this into something more substantial?

McNeill has been on the fringes of the first team for around a year now. There were calls for United to bring him through last season when the team were short up front due to injuries.

Now 19, McNeill has not had another chance since his six minute appearance in the Europa League. He has only made the bench once since.

The teenager did feature in United’s winter friendlies against Cadiz and Real Betis, but in these substitute showings he was starved of service and did not get a chance to score.

Having seen FA Youth Cup winning teammate Alejandro Garnacho successfully make the step up, McNeill will be determined to do the same.

McNeill scored five goals in United’s Youth Cup winning run, close to Garnacho’s seven, and has a strong scoring record in the club’s academy.

He has 46 goals for United’s academy teams, four of which have come this season. He will want to begin 2023 very strongly.

The former Manchester City talent is at an age where he needs either a loan, or to play regular football.

But with a dearth of striking options, it’s unlikely United loan him out. So rather than getting trapped in-between, United should give McNeill an opportunity to show what he is capable of.

Placing him on the bench for United’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against Charlton would be a good move.

Rather than loan in a mercenary for a few months, United could discover something bigger long-term with McNeill if Ten Hag dares to be bold.

All he may need is one start. Just ask Marcus Rashford how his opportunity turned out.

Charlie McNeill player profile

• Full name: Charlie Martin McNeill
• Age: 19
• Date of birth: 9th September 2003
• Citizenship: England
• Place of birth: Droylsden
• Position: Striker