Manchester United have a long and proud history of building teams from homegrown players. Indeed, at least one graduate from the club’s famed Academy has featured in every first-team squad since 1937, and 2015/16 was no different.
They had many players who got a fair amount of game time due to the squad rotation because of the countless injuries in the main team. They made a huge impact on many occasions and their applaudable performance also helped United not going further down the table. Their contribution and form are not easily going to be forgotten by fans.
Three youngsters who could give Mourinho selection problems:
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Timothy Fosu-Mensah-
Fosu-Mensah has played for Manchester United’s youth teams in a variety of positions, including centre-back, left-back and central midfield. The Dutch player made his professional debut at left-back on 28 February 2016 in a 3–2 Premier League win at home to Arsenal. He has made only 10 appearances for the senior team, but never failed to deliver. His way of playing is very swift and keeps his cool when others fail to. He can see himself making more appearances in the upcoming campaign.
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Marcus Rashford-
There’s no denying the fact that Rashford has all the necessary skills and abilities to become a superstar at Theatre of dreams. Despite the lack of experience, he will still be considered as the second best striker in the team after Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Rashford marked his first-team debut with two goals in the second half of a 5–1 win in Europa League. Rashford’s goals made him Manchester United’s youngest ever scorer in European competition.
Rashford made his Premier League debut against Arsenal three days later; he again scored twice, making him the third youngest scorer for United in Premier League. He has also signed a new contract which will keep him at the club until 2020. The 18-year-old has made 18 appearances and scored 8 goals.
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Paddy McNair-
McNair signed for the club in 2011, having impressed the club scouts in a midfield role for Ballyclare Colts, but was later converted into a defender by United youth coach Paul McGuiness. While making the switch from midfield to defence, McNair was often compared to Michael Carrick. He made his senior debut for United on 27 September 2014 against West Ham United in a 2–1 victory. Former manager, Van Gaal publicly praised McNair and claimed that he could go on and establish himself as the new Gary Neville, signifying he could be a regular in that position for the next decade. He has made a total of 27 appearances for the senior team.
The Northern-Irish player’s form can be troublesome for some of the first team defenders.
