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United’s young players are beginning to make waves in the world of football.
This season, Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho have broken into the first squad, capitalising on the spate of injuries at Old Trafford, and delivering some truly wonderful performances.
The two academy graduates have really hit the ground running and ultimately were the reason for Erik ten Hag’s second trophy in two years, with Mainoo and Garnacho grabbing United’s two goals to seal the FA Cup final win 2-1 over Manchester City.
Another young star, Willy Kambwala, has risen through the academy and, whilst primarily has been a reserve squad member in the Premier League 2, the 19-year-old has been used to cover vacancies in the back line of the senior squad through injury.
United aren’t only in the business of developing the youth academy, with the club bringing in other young players who have already reached senior level.
Rasmus Hojlund is the biggest success in this aspect so far, with the Danish international arriving from Atalanta last year for €73.9 million. The 21-year-old has been vital for the squad, now being the club’s only out and out striker since Anthony Martial departed at the end of the season.
Whilst these players are seen as good enough by the club to grace the Old Trafford pitch already, a number of United’s young prospects have been out on loan this season to gain more match time and develop further as players.
The Red Devils currently have four young stars out on loan, due to arrive back at the Premier League club at the end of the month to see what the future holds for them at Old Trafford.
Alvaro Carreras has been on loan with Benfica this season and has market the first official sale for United, with the Portuguese club being so pleased with the left-back that they’ve made the move permanent for €6 million.
Daniel Gore has remained in England, being loaned out to League One side Port Vale, however a recent freak injury during a personal training session has left the 19-year-old requiring surgery on his shoulder and will now miss the pre-season training.
Over in Spain, United have sent two players to La Liga on loan with Hannibal at Sevilla and Facundo Pellistri at Granada.
It’s now being reported by Sebas Giovanelli on X that the latter, Pellistri is catching the eye of Brazilian club Flamengo.
The Uruguayan journalist has released that the club are extremely interested in landing the young winger’s signature, however no further information is available at this time.
Arriving at Old Trafford in 2020 for €8.5 million from Uruguayan side Penarol, the 22-year-old has been out on a spate of loans including a year and a half at Alaves in Spain and then returning to Spain, this time at Granada.
It’s unsure whether Pellistri will be keen on the move, with most move from Europe to South America being in the later years of player’s careers, marking the end of time in Europe.
With youth on his side, it’s expected that the 22-year-old is far from giving up on time in European just yet.
