A LOOK AT THE MANCHESTER UNITED ACADEMY
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| The Carrington Conveyor Belt has finally started producing gems again [Image Courtesy of Man Utd Core] |
Manchester United had yet another dismal transfer window where the board coherently failed to get any of the manager's targets. Although, Neil Wood would be a relatively happier man with a host of foreign talents from some of the best youth setups in Europe joining his squad. Let's have a look at the prospects in the youth setup right now.
New Boys in the Town
Willy Kambwala (16)
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| Willy Kambwala: A young CB for the future [Image Courtesy of The United Devils] |
The highly-rated French CB came in as yet another deadline day signing. Kambwala made the switch from League 2 side, Sochaux for a fee in the region of £3.5m. Shutting down attacks, playing out from the back and a towering physical presence are some of the attributes of the youngster. He can glide past pressing midfielders and can even spray passes out wide. His pace, confidence on the ball, and flair are what make him unique. The Frenchman has initially joined the U-18s and is expected to be promoted to the senior team in the near future.
Charlie McNeil (17)
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| Charlie McNeil was once tipped as Sancho's successor [Image Courtesy of United in Focus] |
The Red Devils could've pulled off a real bargain, getting McNeil for just £675k, although the fee could rise to £1.4m. The Englishman comes with a glowing reputation of being a proper striker having scored over 600 goals for City at youth level in his 7 years at the club. The boyhood Man Utd fan returned to his former club to establish himself as a lethal finisher. McNeil is comfortable with both feet and has had a bright start to the campaign for the U-18s, with 4 goals already. Sounds much like a certain Mason Greenwood? Let's hope he follows a similar trajectory.
Alvaro Fernandez (17)
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| Alvaro Fernandez has already been fast-tracked to the U23s squad [Image Courtesy of Sky Sports] |
The Greater Manchester outfit seems to have finally started to work on scouting foreign players in recent years, most noticeably snapping up Hannibal Mejbri. Fernandez is an adventurous LB who looks to get forward and support attacks whenever possible, much like his idol, Marcelo. He's technically gifted and has a great sense of reading the game. His pace combined with his imposing physical presence makes him a perfect example of a modern attacking fullback. Although, the Spaniard would've to move through the U18s and U23s before challenging for a senior team spot. Fernandez has a goal in a game for the U18s and that was enough to earn him a run-in for the U23s. He has a goal in 3 appearances for the U23s as well.
Marc Jurado (16)
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| The Great Spanish Raid: Marc Jurado joins his Real Madrid rival, Alvaro Fernandez at Manchester United [Image Courtesy of MEN] |
Jurado is considered one of Spain's brightest prospects, with the Spaniard being a product of the famed La Masia. He hit the headlines in 2013 after scoring for Barcelona's U10s within 5 seconds from kick-off, which is still the fastest goal ever recorded at the youth level. Jurado is predominantly a RB, but can also play as a winger. He has all the attributes of a modern full-back, with surging forward runs and an eye for goal. His path to the first team would be tough, with Wan-Bissaka, Brandon Williams, and Fosu-Mensah already fighting for the spot. The Spanish prospect is expected to be one for the future.
Alejandro Garnacho (16)
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| Alejandro Garnacho was the 'jewel' of Atletico's academy [Image Courtesy of Marca] |
Manchester United seem to have targeted Spain as the market to exploit in search of the brightest young talents. We were successful in acquiring the services of young talents from the biggest names in Europe, namely, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid. The 'jewel' of Atletico's academy is obsessed with a certain Manchester United and a living footballing legend, Cristiano Ronaldo. In fact, the Spanish youngster even prefers to wear the number 7. The fleet-footed forward is described as a 'goalscoring machine' and is said to have a 'killer instinct' in front of the goal. Technically adept, close control, pacy, and a real predator in front of goal, Garnacho would be looking to emulate his idol at The Theatre of Dreams.
An Experience to Build Upon
Matej Kovar (20)
Matej Kovar joins Swindon Town on a 1-year loan
[Image Courtesy of Manchester Evening News]
The Czech keeper joined Manchester United from the youth setup of Slovacko in 2018. The shot-stopper was promoted to the U-23s five months later after some great performances for the U-18s. Kovar secured a loan move to League One side, Swindon Town this transfer window. He must have expected to follow a similar trajectory to that of fellow GK, Dean Henderson. But not everything has gone right for him. As the #1 at Swindon Town, Kovar has shipped in 24 goals in his last 11 appearances while failing to keep a single clean sheet. We all hope that he can turn things around and make this loan move beneficial for him.
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| Matej Kovar joins Swindon Town on a 1-year loan [Image Courtesy of Manchester Evening News] |
The Czech keeper joined Manchester United from the youth setup of Slovacko in 2018. The shot-stopper was promoted to the U-23s five months later after some great performances for the U-18s. Kovar secured a loan move to League One side, Swindon Town this transfer window. He must have expected to follow a similar trajectory to that of fellow GK, Dean Henderson. But not everything has gone right for him. As the #1 at Swindon Town, Kovar has shipped in 24 goals in his last 11 appearances while failing to keep a single clean sheet. We all hope that he can turn things around and make this loan move beneficial for him.
Di'Shon Bernard (20)
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| Di'Shon Bernard loaned out to Salford City [Image Courtesy of Manchester Evening News] |
Prospects
Hannibal Mejbri (17)
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| Hannibal Mejbri is one of the brightest prospects present at Manchester United [Image Courtesy of TransferMarkt] |
Zidane Iqbal (17)
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| Zidane Iqbal [Image Courtesy of Manchester United] |
Zidane Iqbal is yet another gifted youngster who has come through the youth ranks at Manchester United. The attacking midfielder is a very skillful player, having bamboozled people with his skills in 1v1 situations. He seems to have a bright future if he can keep his head down and keep working on himself.
Dillon Hoogewerf (17)
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| Dillon Hoogewerf in action against Newcastle U-18s [Image Courtesy of The Sun] |
A product of the Ajax Hellas, Hoogewerf has come through one of the best academy setups across Europe. The U-19 Dutch Champion and Youth Cup Winner joined Manchester United in 2019 for a fee of € 130k. The talented CF can play anywhere in a front-three. He has 3 assists in 2 games for the U-18s already. The Dutch teenager would be expected to follow a similar trajectory as that of our Golden Boy, Mason Greenwood.
Ethan Laird (19)
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| Ethan Laird makes his debut against Astana [Image Courtesy of Manchester Evening News] |
The 19-year old RB has come through the youth ranks of Manchester United, much like fellow compatriot Brandon Williams. Laird would be hoping for similar success as that of Williams who fast-tracked into the first team and has established himself in the squad. The Englishman would be facing stiff competition to get into the first team as the arrival of Alex Telles shifts Brandon Williams to the backup RB spot. Nonetheless, he's a great prospect to have for the future.
From Andy davidge
ReplyDeleteHi,great read,there are some exciting talentscoming through,like what I've heard about Charlie McNeil 17 got from man city,goal score extroadinaire ..👍👍
Yes Andy!
DeleteMcNeil has an insane record of over 600 goals for City at youth level.
Even Alejandro Garnacho is said to be a goal machine
Class of 22' maybe?