Ranking the 10 best players aged under 23 and contracted to Manchester United at the moment

In recent years, Manchester United have succumbed to the trend of splashing big in order to obtain success. Following Sir Alex Ferguson's departure in 2013, the Red Devils have desperately tried to cling onto their superclub status by signing multiple players at exorbitant fees. However, this wasn't always the norm at Old Trafford, with Manchester United possessing one of the best academies in European football.

Manchester United have produced a lot of talent over the years

While the Red Devils are yet to win a major trophy since their Europa League success in 2017, they have managed to assemble a glittering squad along the way. First-team stars like Dean Henderson, Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood and even Paul Pogba can trace their roots to the Manchester United academy.

However, their recruitment policy in the past was on a whole other level. United fans are yet to witness another set of academy players that can touch the legacy of the fabled 'Class of 92'. David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, Phil Neville and Paul Scholes have all gone on to forge legendary careers after receiving their footballing education from Manchester United.

Even though no recent graduate can match the talent of the aforementioned stars, United still possess a group of promising youngsters with unparalleled potential at the moment. While some of them are academy graduates, few others were acquired from elsewhere in exciting deals.

On that note, let's take a look at the 10 best youngsters who are contracted to Manchester United at the moment:

(NOTE: Only players that are aged 22 or under are considered for the list)

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#10 Facundo Pellistri

Morecambe v Manchester United U21 - EFL Trophy

Kicking off our list in 10th place is Uruguayan prospect Facundo Pellistri. Bought from Penarol for a nominal fee of €8.5 million last year, Pellistri caught everyone's attention during Manchester United's pre-season this year. The youngster exuded a brilliant show of character during United's win over Derby, grabbing himself a goal.

Currently out on loan at Alaves, the 19-year-old attacker played an important role in his side's 1-0 win over defending champions Atletico Madrid. Having played a total of 195 minutes this season, Manchester United could recall him earlier than expected, with Pellistri's raw talent too precious to be wasted on the bench while on loan.

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#9 Tahith Chong

Chong is currently out on loan

Having left Manchester United on loan to gain some much-needed first-team action, Tahith Chong has been impressive with Championship outfit Birmingham City so far. In his first five starts with the Blues, the Dutch sensation bagged the man-of-the-match award on two occasions, announcing himself in the second tier of English football.

Despite having 16 appearances with United's first team under his belt, Chong is yet to settle in at Old Trafford. However, if the 21-year-old attacker continues his current form, an improved role is sure to come his way sooner rather than later.

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#8 Shola Shoretire

Shola Shoretire has impressed at a very young age

Shola Shoretire is a rare talent, currently plying his trade in Manchester United's youth team. At the tender age of 17, Shoretire has already made his UEFA Youth League, FA Youth Cup and first-team debut and is a regular presence for the U-23s.

The budding youngster provided 10 goals and six assists in 21 games for the U-23 team last season, compelling Ole Gunnar Solskjær to include him in the senior squad. Versatile in nature, Shoretire has the potential to work wonders at Manchester United.

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#7 Hannibal Mejbri

Mejbri's distinguishable appearance sets him apart from the rest

Tipped to become the "future Paul Scholes" at Manchester United by his former youth coach, Hannibal Mejbri has been really impressive so far. Due to his excellent athleticism and vision, Mejbri has been touted as Paul Pogba's heir at Old Trafford.

Aged just 18, the Tunisia international already has three caps to his name. Furthermore, Mejbri has also made his first-team debut, coming on in Manchester United's final Premier League game last season. Bought for a deal that could rise to €10 million, the teenager has the quality to be worth four times that amount in the future.

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#6 Alvaro Fernandez

The talented left-back ditched Real Madrid to join United

Having jumped ship from Real Madrid to Manchester United in 2020, Alvaro Fernandez is already one of the most sought-after left-backs in the world. A starter for the U-23 side at the tender age of 18, Fernandez has racked up three goals and seven assists from the full-back position in a short amount of time.

The Spaniard is already a feared prospect in Premier League 2 due to his commanding presence and impressive attacking output. Despite Manchester United's extensive depth in the left-back region, Fernandez is sure to get a nod in the first-team sooner rather than later.

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#5 Brandon Williams

Williams could be a key figure at Old Trafford down the years

With the growing importance of full-backs in the modern era, teams desperately crave players who can defend as well as attack. In Brandon Williams, Manchester United have a unique talent on their hands. Currently out on loan at relegation-threatened Norwich City, Williams drew widespread acclaim due to his masterclass against Arsenal.

Primarily a left-back, the youngster is equally adept at playing on the right. With the right nourishment, Williams can blossom into a world-beater in due time.

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#4 Anthony Elanga

Accrington Stanley v Manchester United U21 - EFL Trophy

With an outside-the-box banger against QPR and a tremendous volley against Brentford in Manchester United's pre-season, Anthony Elanga truly announced himself to the footballing world. Possessing immense pace and strong work-rate, Elanga can play anywhere in the attacking line.

Add a natural eye for goal, and Manchester United have a certified future superstar in their ranks. Having refused to send him out on loan, Solskjær clearly holds the Swedish attacker in high regard. And rightfully so.

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#3 Amad Diallo

Diallo showed great potential at Atalanta

On 5 October 2020, Manchester United announced the signing of Amad Diallo from Atalanta for a fee that could rise upto €40 million. While many eyebrows were raised considering the hefty price, Diallo's talent and quality is just so obvious. The 19-year-old already has eight appearances for the Red Devils under his belt, with one goal and one assist to show for his efforts.

Unwilling to waste his talent on the bench, Manchester United are looking to loan him out next year. With his abilities, Diallo is sure to secure a starting spot in the future, provided he maintains his fitness.

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#2 Mason Greenwood

Greenwood recently scored a stunner against Leicester

Since Marcus Rashford's emergence, everyone assumed that Manchester United have fulfilled their quota of producing at least one superstar this decade. However, in Mason Greenwood, the Red Devils have an absolute gem on their hands. The prolific forward has a knack for scoring worldies from impossible angles, creating havoc in opposition defenses.

At 20, Greenwood is already a starter at his boyhood club, notching up 33 goals so far. With the skills of a right-winger and the goalscoring talent of a seasoned striker, the Englishman is destined to be a top player in the future.

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#1 Jadon Sancho

United purchased Sancho for a whopping €85 million

The crown jewel in Manchester United's current batch of youngsters, Jadon Sancho is one of the most promising youngsters in the world, let alone United. Having graduated from Manchester City's academy, Sancho returned to England after a sensational run with Borussia Dortmund that reaped 50 goals and 64 assists in four years.

While the 21-year-old prodigy is yet to settle into his new club, no one doubts the capabilities of the youngster. In due time, Sancho is certain to exceed expectations and become a world-beater with Manchester United.

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