Manchester United is a team full of youngsters. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has kept faith in youth, and they have repaid him by taking the club to third spot and much needed, Champions League. Marcus Rashford is just 22-years old, and technically, he should be on our list. But being one of the team leaders, we have decided to leave the age bar, as a parameter aside for this piece.
James Garner – 19
James Garner is a 19-year-old central midfielder. When both McTominay and Pogba were injured, Garner was brought on and given the first-team experience. He has impressed corner fans, and they are hoping him to come out big next season. With the arrival of Bruno Fernandes in January and Paul Pogba’s return to fitness post-lockdown, James Garner has failed to find an opening in that already crowded midfield. McTominay and Fred had to settle for places on the bench, meaning that youngster has been out of the 18-man squad as well.
Solskjaer would like to give this academy player more chances next season. On the other side, Garner has to train hard and impress Nicky Butt. His lone Premier League outing came against Norwich City while he featured four times in Europa League. The Englishman has made 1.5 interceptions and 1.7 tackles per game, and also won 57% of his duels. Manchester United is a competitive team, and at this age, he has to do a world of things to cement his place in starting XI, just like Mason Greenwood has been able to do.
Brandon Williams – 19
Brandon Williams has successfully taken the spot as the second left-back for Manchester United this season. Ole Gunnar’s side was lacking competition in that department for some time. His performances have even forced Luke Shaw to get better and deliver every week. Brandon Williams is full of pace and enthusiasm. He likes to venture forward and contribute to attacking third. His attacking style of play suits more when he starts as a wing-back. But with age, he has an ample amount of time to get better in the defending function.
Even as a teenager, this lad has made 33 appearances across all competition this season. He has been lively at the left-flank but more contribution in goals will be desired by the team.
As a second left-back, Solskjaer will be hoping that Williams develops an eye to create excellent final passes into the box. Next season will be another big season for this lad with more games and especially the champions league experience.
Mason Greenwood – 18
Who else, if not him? Mason Greenwood has had a campaign that 18-year-old only dream of having. In all competitions, he has scored 18 goals and assisted twice. His ability to score from both feet is magical, yet frightening for the opposition teams. He has even scored more goals than Wayne Rooney scored (9) in his best season as a teenager. He has equaled George Best’s record and only behind Michael Owen to score maximum goals at the age of 18 or under.
Strikers wish to take their goal tally to 10 or more. Greenwood has already scored 10 goals in this league campaign. This is the first time since 2012-13 that the Red Devils have had three players score 15+ each in all competitions. All thanks to Rashford, Martial, and the golden boy Mason Greenwood. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Greenwood has been one of the driving forces to take United back to the Champions League.
