5 youngsters who can break into Manchester United's first-team next season

Manchester United v Reading - The Emirates FA Cup Third Round
Rashford and Fosu-Mensah are two of United's most recent prospects to breakthrough, but who will join them?

Manchester United have a rich tradition of promoting youngsters from the youth academy. From the Busby Babes to The Class of '92, there has never been a shortage of raw talent.

Nothing pleases the Old Trafford faithful more than one of their own fulfilling their dreams at the "Theatre of Dreams." Marcus Rashford has become the latest youth sensation, with the Mancunian adored by Red Devil supporters - while Timothy Fosu-Mensah is making big strides of progression out on-loan with Crystal Palace.

Jose Mourinho has sworn that he will not make major changes and claimed he will sign no attacking players. With United winning the under-18 North Premier league title, Mourinho will have no shortage of talent as he aims to make a stronger challenge for the title next term.

So with that in mind, here are five youngsters who could make it big:


#5 Andreas Pereira

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The talented midfielder remains a prospect

Currently on-loan at Valencia, the diminutive Brazilian has endured a mixed campaign. After a brilliant start to proceedings, a heavy tackle by Barcelona's Sergi Roberto sent him out for a long spell on the sidelines.

Pereira is capable of playing in midfield, as a deep-lying playmaker as well as on the wings. His previous loan spell with Granada was also successful, despite their relegation to Spain's second tier.

The 22-year-old is a pinpoint crosser, an excellent dribbler and a threat at set-pieces. In Spanish La Liga, Pereira has netted one goal, created 20 chances and three assists this season. He has also completed 240 passes with a pass accuracy percentage of 71%, of which 86% were forward passes.

Michael Carrick's impending retirement as well as Marouane Fellaini's uncertain future in Manchester mean Andreas would be provided an opportunity to stake a claim in midfield where Jose believes he has a future.

#4 Axel Tuanzebe

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Axel is potentially a world-class defender, currently out on-loan in the second tier

This season, defence in particular has been a major issue for the Red Devils to deal with. Despite having one of the best defensive records, the players themselves have failed to convince.

Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have been shaky, while Victor Lindelof is still adapting to English football. Injuries to both Eric Bailly and Marcos Rojo have not helped matters, either.

Jose will be expected to make defensive acquisitions this summer, but already has a potentially world-class defender on his hands out on-loan.

Tuanzebe has all the attributes of a modern defender: A clean tackle, he's gifted with both good pace and precise passing too. Another aspect within his game is his aerial ability, with Axel winning around 3.4 aerial duels per game in the Championship with Aston Villa this season.

Tuanzebe has won 12 tackles this term with a success rate of 52%. Two interceptions and blocks alongside 20 clearances - he's only been under Steve Bruce's management since late January.

A natural leader, the 20-year-old was United's maiden first-year scholar to captain the under-18s since Gary Neville, impressive to say the least. Mourinho once said that 10 mins was enough to realize the Englishman's talent. Naturally, he'll be hoping that Axel lives up to it in the seasons to come.

#3 Angel Gomes

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Gomes is widely regarded as the next big thing

The diminutive 17-year-old has almost always punched above his weight. From making his under-18 debut at just 14, to becoming the youngest ever recipient of the Jimmy Murphy award, breaking records has been his thing.

With that in mind, it was somewhat symbolic that Angel replaced Wayne Rooney to make his first-team debut against Crystal Palace during the 2016/17 campaign. It made him the first Premier League player born in the 2000s.

An amazing dribbler, Gomes has an unbelievable goalscoring record for a creative midfielder. With 14 goals and seven assists in 22 under-18 league fixtures, his leadership qualities have set him apart - having captained the Three Lions at the u16, u17 and u18 levels thus far.

Thus, it was no surprise when La Liga champions Barcelona expressed an interest in acquiring his services. A lengthy wait followed before Gomes eventually pledged his long-term future to United, signing a lucrative deal reportedly worth £17,000-a-week, one of the highest for a youngster in the club's history.

With all of that in mind, it's now time for the youngster to prove himself at senior level.

#2 Demetri Mitchell

Mitchell has impressed out on-loan in Scotland this term
Mitchell has impressed out on-loan in Scotland this term

Demetri Mitchell was enjoying a fine loan spell with Scottish side Hearts of Midlothian before injury halted his development in early March. The 21-year-old was named Man of the Match on his Scottish Premiership debut and it's no real surprise, as the youngster has been a consistent performer for United's youth sides in recent seasons.

Highly-rated by Mourinho, Demetri - though naturally a winger - is able to play at wing-back and equally at left-back too. Luke Shaw's struggles under Jose has opened up possibilities, with Celtic's Kieran Tierney a reported target.

However should United dig into their youth system for a replacement, then Demetri is the perfect option.

#1 Tahith Chong

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Tahith is equally famous for his football talent as well as wacky hairstyles

Tahith Chong is the most popular player on this list. Equally famous for his hairdo as he is for his football, Chong never fails to catch the eye.

Manchester United have lacked natural width and pace on the right-wing. Juan Mata has occupied the role recently, but is not the quickest - nor much of a long-term solution, having celebrated his 30th birthday this weekend.

Mourinho has repeatedly stated he will not sign anymore attacking players and that in itself, is easy to see why. The 18-year-old has recovered well from a serious injury that kept him on the sidelines for 10 months and crucially, impresses whenever chosen for either the under-18 or under-23 sides.

He has netted six goals with two further assists in 15 appearances this term and is regarded as the ideal player for United's right-wing issues. Capable of playing across the frontline with a deadly left foot to boot, an excellent workrate and physical presence will have easily helped attract Jose's attention.

It's just a matter of time before Tahith Chong makes his first-team debut.

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Edited by Mosope Ominiyi
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