Man Utd's next generation of wonderkids as three promising youngsters depart
When Manchester United took on Young Boys in the Champions League in 2021, it looked like a breakthrough moment for the next generation of academy stars, but some of those involved have already moved on to pastures new.
Zidane Iqbal has made a much-publicised exit, joining Utrecht in the Eredivisie. Charlie Savage, who joined his fellow midfielder in making a late cameo, is also on the verge of leaving Old Trafford.
A third academy star, Ethan Laird, has also moved on after being tipped for the top before an unfortunate run with injuries. There are still a number of talented up-and-comers, though, and Mirror Football has the lowdown on some of those starlets.
Joe Hugill
Hugill had already impressed at youth level before netting in pre-season against Leeds. United won the race to sign the forward from Sunderland when he was just 16, with Arsenal among the others linked.
Now 19, the hotshot has 24 goals in 41 Premier League 2 outings. He also scored his first senior career goal last term, netting against York City while on loan at Altrincham.
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Noam Emeran
French talent Emeran was the other scorer in the Leeds game. The 20-year-old came through the ranks at Amiens before choosing United above a number of European big-hitters.
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Noam Emeran has already netted in pre-season (Fredrik Solstad/REX/Shutterstock)
The winger enjoyed a flying finish to the 2022-23 season for United's under-21s. He scored four in the last three games in Premier League 2, helping United's youngsters secure their top-flight status.
Hannibal
Hannibal might be a little more established than others on this list. However, after spending last season out on loan, this season could be a chance for him to really impress Erik ten Hag.
With three Premier League outings and 24 Tunisia caps under the midfielder's belt, it's easy to forget he's still just 20 years old. An impressive year on loan at Birmingham, playing 38 times in the Championship, will leave him feeling he can deliver at a higher level.
Alvaro Fernandez
Alvaro Fernandez is back after a successful loan (PA)Another man who spent last season in the Championship is Fernandez. The full-back, who spent time in Real Madrid's academy, made 27 starts for Preston last term.
“Hopefully, that is my dream now," he said when asked about more minutes for his parent club. "For the next season I have to come back in pre-season and we’re going to see. Erik ten Hag has to choose if they want me there or if they don’t want me."
Dan Gore
Gore has joined the likes of Fernandez and Hannibal in United's squad for their US tour. The midfielder played a part in Donny van de Beek's winner against Lyon in the last friendly, and now has more time to impress.
Dan Gore earned an assist against Lyon (Getty Images)Still just 18, the England youth international featured prominently in United's run to the FA Youth Cup final in 2022. He captained the team in the same competition this season, though they couldn't get past the fourth round.
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Kobbie Mainoo
Another midfielder, Mainoo doesn't need much of an introduction for Man Utd fans. The local lad made his debut last season, starting against Charlton in the EFL Cup, and also got his first Premier League minutes in United's February victory over Leicester.
Kobbie Mainoo made his senior debut last term (PA)According to The Athletic, Ten Hag has no plans to loan out the 18-year-old. After naming him in the touring party, the manager can get a chance to see more of him.
Omari Forson
Forson, another 18-year-old, might not be quite as familiar to some watching the tour. The midfielder is still waiting on his senior debut, but scored for the under-21s in last season's EFL Trophy.
The London-born talent is an England under-19 international scoring twice in Euros qualifying. He also opened his UEFA Youth League account for United in 2021, netting in a victory over Atalanta as the Red Devils' youngsters made it to the round of 16.
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