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Five Man Utd academy kids who can go on to become superstars under Rangnick including Mejbri and Shoretire

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IT’S almost 30 years since the Class of ’92 burst on to the scene at academy and then first team level.

The rest, as they say, is history. 

Shola Shoretire is tipped for big things at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
Anthony Elanga and Tden Mengi are both highly regarded by Utd bossesCredit: Getty

But what about the 2022 version, and who might we see break into Ralf Rangnick’s starting XI between now and next May? 

There’s no guarantees of course because the pressure on United’s new interim manager is so high.

But already we’ve seen that Rangnick is the type of coach that will put the best player in the squad to help the team, rather than the biggest name.  

Here’s five to keep an eye on in the coming months… 

Anthony Elanga

Elanga is no stranger to the first team set-up having made his first Manchester United senior appearance in the Premier League clash with Leicester City at Old Trafford last May.

He followed that with his first senior goal against Wolves a couple of weeks later.

Elanga’s father Joseph played for Malmo and earned 17 international caps for Cameroon, which means he’s had plenty of advice on and off the pitch.  

Elanga has recently broken into the first teamCredit: Reuters

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Teden Mengi 

Mengi made his United debut as an 18-year-old against LASK in August 2020.  

He made the loan move to Wayne Rooney’s Derby County last January and got some Championship appearances under his belt.

His impressive performances were then rewarded with a new contract at United, which is due to run until 2024 at least.

Mengi suffered an injury at Derby but has recovered well and replaced Luke Shaw after the hour mark in the recent 1-1 Champions League draw against Young Boys.

Mengi featured in the Champions League clash against Young BoysCredit: EPA

Hannibal Mejbri 

Mejbri has been involved in the Fifa Arab Gulf Cup in recent weeks, and helped Tunisia reach the final, where they lost 2-0 to Algeria.

Because of the tournament, Mejbri missed out on the Champions League game against Young Boys in which so many of his young team-mates featured.

But you can imagine that when he’s available he will be pushing for a spot on the bench at least.  

Mejbri is knocking on the door of the first teamCredit: Getty

Joe Hugill 

If you need a goal, call Joe Hugill.

Hugill’s exceptional strike rate means that he’s knocking on the first-team door.  

Ten goals in 11 starts (plus seven appearances as substitute) for the Under-23s, and six in six at Under-18s level, meant that it wasn’t long before he was training with the first-team squad.

Remember the name.  

Hugill is proving his worth as a lethal finisherCredit: Getty

Shola Shoretire 

In 2018 Shoretire became the youngest-ever player to appear in the UEFA Youth League when he came off the bench against Valencia as a 14-year-old.

His rise through the ranks continued and he went on to make his first-team debut, coming on as a substitute for the final minutes of the Premier League win over Newcastle United at Old Trafford in February of this year.

Still only 17-years-old, he’s been linked with a loan move away from the club but if he can continue to impress at under-23 level, then we might see him back in the first team squad soon.

Especially with United trying to compete on three fronts.  

Twitter – @MrTomMcDermott

Shoretire is a name for the future for Utd fansCredit: Getty

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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk

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