5 Manchester United youngsters who might break into the first team next season

There have been a slew of high-profile names linked with a move to Manchester United this summer. With the transfer window just under 2 weeks away, the fans are waiting for new arrivals with bated breath.Although an influx of quality players in the squad is the priority, manager Louis van Gaal has assured the youth graduates of an opportunity to impress with the senior team during their pre-season tour to the United States next month.The likes of David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes etc. are some of the famous alumni of the United academy and it seems the Dutchman is keen to continue the tradition of playing academy players in the senior team.Here are the 5 youngsters who may follow their footsteps and walk into the first team next season –

#1 Saidy Janko

Saidy Janko has shown that he has what it takes to cut it in England

A delicious cross to Eidur Gudjohnsen which was to be followed by a sumptuous 25-yard strike on his debut for Bolton Wanderers announced the arrival of Saidy Janko. The Swiss international was signed from Zurich in 2013 and was eventually loaned out to Bolton Wanderers in the winter transfer window this year.

The 19-year old has spent the second half of the season with the Championship side and appeared 9 times in the second division.

Manchester United lack depth at the right-back position and the Swiss international can be a vital addition. Janko is swift, precise, exudes great composure on the ball and can bring back the lost sheen in that position. His frequent darts forward can also add to the threat in attack.

Janko has had a sublime season with The Trotters and it will be great to watch him take on some star names in the top flight if he can make it to the senior team next season.

#2 Ashley Fletcher

Fletcher has established a good reputation for himself with the Manchester United coaching staff

A wiry and unconventional striker, Ashley Fletcher is carving out a niche for himself with the reserve teams and may break into the first-team to bolster United’s attack. With Van Persie highly injury prone, Wilson inexperienced and Falcao having departed, the Red Devils need a reliable outlet upfront and although they are on the hunt for a star forward, they may still consider him as a backup.

Fletcher took the youth division league by storm, scoring 9 times in 10 starts with the team and has also scored important goals in ‘behind-closed door’ games against fancy oppositions such as Chelsea. The teen is a huge threat going forward and clinical in his finishing.

Fletcher, although still very young, has already endured some adversities in the form of a collapsed lung and a career-threatening knee injury. However, a resilient Fletcher hasn’t been put off by them and continues to pursue his dream. His grit and resolve might help him get into the first team.

#3 Joe Rothwell

Rothwell could get a chance on the pre-season tour

Sent out on loan to gain experience in the belligerent and rough and tumble Championship, Joe Rothwell was the sole shining light for an incompetent Blackpool side that were relegated to the Football League One at the end of the season. Whilst the 19-year old had a forgetful debut as his side were brushed aside 4-0 at Brentford, he, nonetheless, showed plenty of promise.

A box-to-box midfielder, Rothwell’s strengths are bursting into space and surging forward. The 20-year-old also contributes in defence and has a good passing radar.

Rothwell was already handed his squad number by Van Gaal before being loaned out and is thereby one of the academy graduates he is keeping an eye on. Now after a strong loan spell, the midfielder stands a great chance to play with the first-team in pre-season and may also eventually participate in the top division.

#4 Ben Pearson

Ben Pearson’s game bears great similarities to Paul Scholes’ game

Ben Pearson has appeared to be the most enticing youth prospect at United and the 20-year old is currently on loan at Barnsley. Born in Oldham, Pearson joined Manchester United at the age of 9 and has risen through the ranks at youth level.

He has always drawn comparisons with United veteran Paul Scholes due to a lot of similarities. Hailing from the same hometown, playing in the same position and harbouring the same penchant for making rash tackles, Pearson is considered to be a doppelganger to the Red Devils’ ‘Ginger Prince.’

Tenacious in his play, the midfielder shows exemplary work-rate and great movements, both on and off the ball. He’s got a real burst of pace and weighs in with crucial goals as well. His attributes were on full display while his time with The Tykes and demonstrated a glimpse of his potential when he struck the winner against Port Vale back in January. Collecting the ball in his own half, Pearson scythed down the edge of the area and struck a looping effort that deflected straight into the net.

Pearson is a player of immense potential and Van Gaal can turn towards him buoyantly if there are problems in the centre of the park.

#5 Andres Perreira

Andreas Pereira is definitely a star in the making

The Brazilian youngster is touted to be a star in the making and has recently committed his future with the Old Trafford outfit. Having started his youth career initially at PSV Eindhoven, Perreira joined the United academy in 2011 and made a short cameo in the first team in their 4-0 demolition at the hands of MK Dons in September last year.

Perreira featured for the Under-19 side in the UEFA Youth League system last season and laid down a marker with his performances. The Brazil international operates mainly as a No.10 and is equally adept on the flanks.

Perreira would go on to further prove his talent with the Under-20 national side where Brazil finished runners-up to Serbia. The midfielder was pivotal to their run up to the finals and even scored a brilliant solo goal in the final, dribbling past 4 defenders.

He has the potential to flourish into a star and hopefully, Van Gaal has identified it by now.