Manchester United’s top five academy players to watch in 2020

These are the next Mason Greenwoods and Brandon Williams‘, here are top five Manchester United academy players to watch in 2020.

When Matt Busby arrived at Manchester United after the World War Two, he became a pioneer. His groundbreaking and gargantuan efforts to promote youth paved the way for many other successful English sides.

Busby laid the foundations at United for the club’s core ethos. He brought through the likes of Duncan Edwards and Bobby Charlton.

Sir Alex Ferguson continued Busby’s tradition at Old Trafford when he took charge of the club in 1986. The class of 92 which included the likes of Paul Scholes, David Beckham, Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville is undoubtedly one of the most impressive group of youth products produced by any academy in the world.

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Incorporating academy players into the team has always been important at United. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is desperate to continue this tradition. The Norwegian has demonstrated he is not shy of giving youth players a chance this season with the emergence of Mason Greenwood and Brandon Williams.

Here are five United academy players who could follow suit.

1. Hannibal Mejbri

Age: 17

Position: Central-Midfielder

The French youth international only moved to United last summer but he has already made a huge impression at Old Trafford in his maiden season.

Mejbri is a composed and extremely energetic midfielder. He can glide past defenders with ease and with United short of midfield options he could easily feature for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer next season.

2. Teden Mengi

Age: 17

Position: Centre-Back

The strong and composed centre back has been extremely impressive for the club at academy level this season.

Teden Mengi has the potential to be an elite centre-back and it is only a matter of time until he gets his chance in the first team.

3. Ethan Laird

Age: 18

Position: Right-Back

The fast and rampant right back is quite a merchant down the flank of United’s U23 side. Laird is explosive going forward but he is also a strong tackler.

The young defender has already made two senior appearances this season in the Europa League and he could be a great deputy to Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

4. Shola Shoretire

Age: 16

Position: Winger

He is just 16 but he could be the next big thing at Old Trafford, Shole Shoretire is already playing an age group up and he has done well at U18 level this season.

A nifty dribbler with a frightening burst of pace, Shoretire is a nuisance for many defenders and certainly one to watch.

5. Dillon Hoogewerf

Age: 17

Position: Forward

United are in need of a strong and explosive forward at first team level. Hoogewerf has been exactly that for the club’s academy side this season.

Having come through the ranks at Ajax, Hoogewerf’s pace has been a valuable asset for United’s U18s this season.

He has been especially impressive in the FA Youth Cup. And despite his short stature he is well suited to the hustle and bustle of English football.

Who do you think has the best chance of making it at United?