As Man United enters preseason ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, the team has planned for five friendly matches this summer. These games will afford youthful prospects the opportunity to prove their worth with the hope of making the first team. Some first–team players are either on summer break having featured for their respective countries or on personal training regimes.
However, the first preseason friendly was played in Norway against Rosenborg where United lost by a narrow margin with most of the regular team players being unavailable for the game. Meanwhile, the squad is due for another upcoming test in a friendly against Rangers in Scotland where a youthful squad is anticipated to be paraded.
In the previous summer, a youthful group of players participated in early friendly fixtures in Norway and Scotland before the senior team joined the main summer tour to America. However, this summer presents another opportunity for emerging talents to stake their claim for a place in the tour squad.
Total Apex Sports will take a look at the top five young Man United players to look out for during this preseason.
5. Man United Young Prospect: Toby Collyer
Age: 20
Position: Midfield
A defensive-minded midfielder Toby Collyer took the captaincy role in the second half during the Rosenborg match. Also, he recently extended his stay with United through a new contract indicating his progress and loyalty to the club. Collyer also had several appearances for Man United’s first-team bench in the previous season, which testifies to his increased role in the team.
4. Man United Young Prospect: Habeeb Ogunneye
Age: 18
Position: Right-back
Habeeb Ogunneye, a teenage full-back, proved reliable last season and was often used to fill in for injured first-team players. Ogunneye, who began his Under-18 career at the age of 15 in 2021, can feature as a right-back, third center-back, or wing-back. He came on for Wan-Bissaka at halftime during their Rosenborg preseason friendly match. However, he has progressed immensely over the years and has also impressed Erik Ten Hag.
3. Man United Young Prospect: Harry Amass
Age: 17
Position: Left-back
However, there have been improvements in Man United’s left-back position with the availability of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. As a young player, Harry Amass has the chance to prove his abilities this preseason. Amass has been training with the senior squad since the age of 16 after being invited by Ten Hag. Notably, he has received praise from other first-team players such as Luke Shaw as a player to watch out for.
2. Man United Young Prospect: Ethan Williams
Age: 18
Position: Winger
Ethan Williams, a Manchester native, enjoyed a remarkable season, scoring and making 26 goals and assists across several levels of competitions. However, he’s good with both feet and primarily operates as a left winger. However, he can be deployed to the right wing as seen in the last friendly due to his versatility.
1. Man United Young Prospect: Ethan Wheatley
Age: 18
Position: Striker
Ethan Wheatley, having made three first-team appearances towards the end of last season as a striker is seen as a prospect. He tops the list of well-known United prospects also becoming the landmark 250th Senior debutante Academy player last season. However, his prolific goal-scoring ability, notably, a hat trick against the Liverpool Under-18 Premier League has made him earn recognition. Wheatley is recognized as one of the best in the attacks and may be useful to the first team. Having scored nine goals last season, and also hailing from Stockport, he is expected to head on the same trajectory as Kobbie Mainoo.
Conclusion
Man United’s preseason is an avenue for these young prospects to showcase their skills, impress the manager, and have a chance to be drafted into the senior team for next season. Meanwhile, high expectations will be placed on their abilities by audiences and coaches.
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