With the season now less than a week away, we believe there are 3 Man United youngsters who should be involved with the first team this season.
It’s pretty scary how quickly we’re at the start of the new season. Erik ten Hag’s first pre-season is complete, with the Red Devils slowly fine-tuning their game to fit in line with his philosophy and style.
I’d say that overall, the tour was a positive one. Ten Hag is slowly discovering which players are made for his system, while also figuring out those that won’t cut the mustard.
The Dutchman is a manager who always has one eye on the future, too. He’ll be looking at the talented teenagers at the club and trying to decipher whether they’re ready to make the leap.
Here at Old Trafford Faithful, we’ve picked out three young starlets who we feel deserve some first team minutes in 2022/23.
Zidane Iqbal
This young man was absolutely the surprise of the summer. Iqbal came on as a half-time substitute in United’s first pre-season game against Liverpool and absolutely stole the show.
He has the tricks and flicks, but more importantly, the calmness and intelligence to always pick the right ball and get his team moving in the right direction. Iqbal plays with a genuine maturity beyond his years, while United looking light in midfield absolutely plays into his hands.
The 19-year-old is great when being pressed and isn’t phased when it comes to those physical one-on-one battles. He’s a bright young man with huge potential. Why not drip-feed him minutes in the Europa League this term?
Alejandro Garnacho
We were made to wait to see the Argentine in action. However, it was absolutely worth it. From minute one against Rayo Vallecano, this lad looked like he had that x-factor.
Two-footed, supremely quick and gliding past players with relative ease. Garnacho was undoubtedly the best player on the pitch, while looking right at home against grown men despite being just eighteen years of age.
I was surprised it took so long to see the teenager out on the field, though perhaps Ten Hag wants to keep the young man grounded, ensuring he remains patient and focused. The talent and ability is so obviously there for all to see and right now, I’d argue he should be United’s third-choice winger behind Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho.
Ethan Laird
Alright, so this one comes with a minor asterisk. Reports suggest Laird could well be on his way to Watford on loan – but I’d argue that’s potentially the wrong decision.
The young full-back is clearly the better fit for Ten Hag’s style of play in direct comparison with Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The latter should be sold with Laird given the opportunity to sit in behind Diogo Dalot.
Laird was excellent against Rayo Vallecano in United’s final friendly game yesterday. Strong in defence, positionally solid (minus one lapse in concentration) and always willing to venture forward wherever possible. I honestly think we’d be missing a trick by letting him head to the Championship for the season.
Agree? Disagree? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
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