OLE’s at the wheel, and he’s looking to promote youth.
Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is well aware of the club’s heritage from finding talent from within, having played in a side where graduates of the ‘Class of ’92’ became Premier League legends.
Mason Greenwood has made the leap from youth to first team this seasonCredit: EPA
Could a new batch of youngsters coming through at Old Trafford emulate the ‘Class of ’92?’Credit: Getty – Contributor
And there’s a growing feeling at Old Trafford that the class of 2020 could just emulate those heroes.
That’s why the Norwegian is planning to introduce more fledgling talents into his first team set-up next season.
We’ve seen Mason Greenwood and Brandon Williams force their way into the reckoning.
But who will be joining them?
TEDEN MENGI
The captain of a promising U18 team that reached the semi-final of the FA Youth Cup, Mengi could be a solution to partner Harry Maguire in the heart of defence.
When football returned after lockdown, the rapid defender found himself training with the senior squad alongside United luminaries Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard.
And he left an impression on Solskjaer by recording the fourth fastest running speed in the whole squad.
His attributes include his composure on the ball, a skill that every modern defender needs, as well as his strength.
U18 captain Teden Mengi is a composed defender with a huge futureCredit: Getty Images – Getty
DI’SHON BERNARD
Mengi’s defensive partner at U18 level, last year Di’Shon put pen to paper on a deal that’ll keep him at the club till 2022.
The 6ft 4in central defender featured in a Europa League dead rubber against Astana earlier this season.
The 19-year-old already got a mention from Scott McTominay as one of the talented youngsters to look out for in years to come.
Bernard was once on Chelsea’s books until Jose Mourinho prized him away from Stamford Bridge in 2017.
Could be one that the West Londoners regret losing in the future.
6ft 4in Di’Shon Bernard made his Man Utd debut against AstanaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
DYLAN LEVITT
The Welsh midfielder also made his senior debut in the Europa League at FC Astana in that 2-1 defeat, just days after his 19th birthday.
His distribution stood out, completing 100 of his 104 passes that night – with 67 of those being forward passes.
And Levitt, 19, comes with a Ryan Giggs stamp of approval.
After impressing during a week-long training camp last year, he was called up for Wales’ Euro 2020 qualifiers in November.
Dylan Levitt’s distribution has the seal of approval from United legend Ryan GiggsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
ETHAN GALBRAITH
19-year-old Galbraith has trained with Solskjaer and the first team several times this season.
And the midfielder is already an international, having represented Northern Ireland last year against Luxembourg.
An U18 Premier League title winner with United, Galbraith won the club’s ‘Goal of the Month’ prize in 2018 with a thunderous strike against Manchester City – beating off Alexis Sanchez and Paul Pogba.
Ethan Galbraith is already a Northern Ireland internationalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
D’MANI MELLOR
Mellor, 19, is a local Mancunian talent with real pedigree.
The forward was able to play a more central role in the U23’s this season, with Greenwood’s promotion to first team duties.
And it worked wonders for the electric talent, who contributed four goals and four assists in 11 Premier League 2 games.
Quick and skilful, Mellor is touted for a bright future in the game.
D’Mani Mellor has prospered in a central role for the U23’s Credit: Getty Images – Getty
ETHAN LAIRD
At the end of June, Solskjaer promoted the talented defender to his first team.
Laird, 18, had a storming campaign for the U23’s, and is expected to provide competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the future.
A typically modern right-back, Laird uses his pace and athleticism to drive forward and is a good crosser of the ball.
Back in February, he inked a deal with United that’ll keep him at the club till 2023 – with the option of another year.
Ethan Laird is an athletic right-back who loves getting forwardCredit: Getty Images – Getty
JAMES GARNER
Garner, 19, has been at the club since he was 8 and is expected to become a first team regular.
He made his debut last season against Crystal Palace, when the Red Devils suffered an injury crisis.
And boss Solskjaer has already spotted a comparison between Garner and a former United star.
“James Garner is a Michael Carrick but 20 years younger” he said.
James Garner has been compared to Michael Carrick by SolskjaerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Team-mate Fred also purred about his ability in an interview with Brazilian website Trivela.
“Not because he is in the same position as me, but he is a player who has an impressive vision of the game, has a huge future for United,” he revealed.
However, next season Garner may have to go on loan to get vital first team experience, should his path continue to be blocked in the first eleven.
Man Utd boss Solskjaer is proud of Rashford for receiving doctorate for school meals campaign
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
