Manchester United’s academy is the envy of many clubs across the world. This is evident in FourFourTwo magazine’s latest annual list of top 50 teenagers in world football.
United have four youngsters on the list, and it is easy to make the argument that this is too few.
The list of the top 50 players is topped by Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham, a midfielder United tried to sign in 2020, Sky Sports reported and still would love to bring in.
The highest numbered Manchester United player on the list is Amad, who is named at number 15. The winger is currently on loan at Rangers and provided an assist at the weekend in their 3-0 cup victory.
United invested heavily to sign Amad and there are high hopes he can develop into a first team regular at the club over the coming years. Making a success of his Rangers loan is his most immediate priority.
Anthony Elanga is already a Manchester United first team regular after making the breakthrough this season. The Sweden under-21 international may also be on the verge of a senior cap for his national side.
Elanga is ranked at number 26 on FourFourTwo’s list. He turns 20 in April so this will be the last year he is eligible in the rankings.
Teammate Hannibal turned 19 in January. He is ranked at number 41 on the list, a bit too low for our liking. The teenager is already a Tunisia international with 11 senior caps.
He was on United’s bench at the weekend and is being considered for a regular first team role over the coming months as Ralf Rangnick looks to integrate him into the XI.
The fourth and final United player on the list is Shola Shoretire who is number 44. Shoretire has been United’s most consistent player at under-23 level this season and has already made his first team debut.
United need to accelerate his development over the next 12 months so he can continue to move forward, rather than seeing his progress blocked. Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard leaving in the summer will help, although it should have happened sooner.
Three players who should be on the list
There are at least three players who should be feeling unlucky to miss out on the recognition and fancy their chances of making the 2023 list.
One of these is left-back Alvaro Fernandez, signed from Real Madrid in 2020. The defender has already trained with Manchester United’s first team and has a good chance to reach the first team if he keeps on making progress.
Another is Norway youth international Isak Hansen-Aaroen. The 17-year-old is already a regular in central midfield for United’s under-23 side and is one of those players who seems too talented not to make it. His ability to pass the ball in tight areas and dribble away from pressure make him just the kind of player United need.
Alejandro Garnacho has 12 goals in all competitions this season plus five assists, in attack and he is making a real name for himself. United signed him from Atletico Madrid amid heavy competition from other clubs and he is currently on track to become a future star.
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