MANCHESTER UNITED travel to Kazakhstan to face Astana in the Europa League – knowing their place int he knockout stages is already secured.
But this time, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be resting some of the senior members as he plans to blood the youngsters in chilly Nur-Sultan.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be able to get a close-up look at some of the academy products coming through in AstanaCredit: Getty – Contributor
Jesse Lingard, former youth product himself, will captain the youthful Red Devils side where the average age could fall to just 22 years old.
But who are among those exciting youngsters?
Ethan Laird
The 18-year-old right-back has a job on his hands to overtake £45m signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka on a regular basis – but a trip to Astana can only be a step in the right direction.
Pacy down the flank, the youngster has already managed two assists in six matches in the reserves’ Premier League 2.
The Basingstoke-born star also nabbed a goal in their win over Rotherham in the EFL Trophy – where top-flight sides can send their second teams to play.
First-team boss Solskjaer has already said that Laird will start in defence, along with a host of other youngsters.
Laird will make his Man Utd senior debut when the team walks out against AstanaCredit: Reuters
Di’Shon Bernard
The Londoner was born on October 14, 2000 – meaning he is another young star under 20, who will be starting alongside Laird.
The centre-back has been a regular at the back for United’s Under-23 side – yet, he could have been pushing for a place in Frank Lampard’s Chelsea this season.
Bernard was on the books at Stamford Bridge untill moving north in 2017.
But since impressing on a trial to join the Red Devils, he has been a key figure in the youth teams and will get his chance to impress Solskjaer amid rumours the Norweigian boss is not happy with his current defenders.
Di’Shon Bernard will not have trouble with headers, as the 6ft 2in defender gets his first United outing in KazakhstanCredit: PA:Empics Sport
Dylan Levitt
The Welshman, who only recently turned 19, is one of the brightest stars coming through Man Utd’s youth academy.
The midfielder has already been talked about as one for the future while Old Trafford legend called him up for Wales’ most recent round of Euro 2020 qualifiers – but Levitt was not able to win his first cap.
A creative asset, he has chimeed in with an impressive three goals and four assists in nine Premier League 2 matches.
Levitt has already featured in Europe in his career, albeit in the Uefa Youth League, netting twice in four sub appearances for the young Devils.
And he will get his first start on the continent with the senior team against Astana as he partners captain Lingard in the creative department.
Levitt is highly rated by both club and country, having already received a call-up for WalesCredit: Reuters
Teden Mengi
The youngest of the lot, Mengi has skipped a level from the Under-18s to join the senior squad in Kazakhstan.
The 17-year-old was born in Kaduna in Nigeria, yet moved to the Manchester area at a young age.
Already a youth international for England, central defender Mengi is being touted as a future Red Devils skipper, having captained at various youth levels.
Teden Mengi towers above his fellow youth team-mates but is just as athletic at the backCredit: Getty – Contributor
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
