Finley McAllister now spotted in Man Utd first-team training after Kobbie Mainoo injury blow

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The pathway from Manchester United academy to first-team involvement is as open as ever, and Erik ten Hag has had a handful in training this week.

In the build-up to this weekend’s Premier League game against Brentford on Saturday – there were a handful of academy players drafted into the first team for training on Thursday.

This is likely due to the numerous injury concerns still plaguing Erik ten Hag’s squad at Manchester United this season.

The latest blow is to Kobbie Mainoo with the No.37 set to miss a couple of weeks after the injury he sustained against Spurs was ignored and Ten Hag started against Aston Villa.

After this, United may need to call upon academy midfielders to fill the void, and one exciting 18-year-old has been called up in preparation for the Brentford game.

• READ MORE: Who is Kobbie Mainoo? Inside the life of Man Utd’s rising star, including his parents, brother and school

Six Manchester United academy starlets now spotted in first-team training

In advance of the Brentford game, United are looking for midfield options – with Dan Gore and Toby Collyer standing a good chance of featuring at some point – with Manuel Ugarte also potentially out.

But this still leaves United short in options as Christian Eriksen’s legs likely need a rest after his busy and successful international break for Denmark

Now Finley McAllister has been in first-team action for United – although his chances of actually making the matchday squad or a debut are yet to be determined.

Along with McAllister; Tyler Fredricson, Malachi Sharpe, Ashton Missin, Sam Mather and Ruben Curley were all in first-team training.

This is a crop of youngsters we do not see training with the first team every week and so it will be a real positive learning experience for them – even if inclusion in the matchday squad is unlikely.

• READ MORE: Manchester United’s Best Academy Players of All Time

Will Finley McAllister be handed his Manchester United debut?

Heading into this weekend, to be named in the United squad would be a dream come true for McAllister as he is a lifelong fan, born in Salford.

• READ: Who is Man Utd’s Finley McAllister? Age, Position, Nationality, Stats and more

However, despite his ability it would be wrong to argue he should be involved against Brentford even just on the bench as the 18-year-old is yet to dominate at an U21 level.

After captaining the U18s to their treble successes last season, McAllister has made four Premier League 2 appearances this season – along with a cameo in the EFL Trophy.

In this time he has made an assist while playing as a defensive midfielder – showcasing his ability in his first year playing regularly at the level.

Training with the first team is a great experience which can only improve the youngster, but this is unlikely to see him play his way into Ten Hag’s immediate plans.