5 Manchester United first-team youngsters who could become the club's backbone

Manchester United have always been famous for their faith in young players. Two of the clubs greatest ever managers Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson built their sides around youngsters in the form of the Busby Babes and the "Class of 92" also known as Fergie's Fledglings. United are currently not having the best of seasons but there are some young players within the first team who could become an integral partof the club in the future.Here is a list of 5 players who can help United bring back the glory days.

#1 David De Gea

The young Spaniard is one of the success stories for Manchester United this season. United fans wondered what Sir Alex Ferguson was thinking when he splashed 18 million pounds on the former Atletico Madrid keeper, who was seen as Edwin van der Sar’s replacement. 10 keepers struggled to succeed Peter Schmeichel at Manchester United before van der Sar.

De Gea's initial struggles in the Premier League made people suspect if he would be able to cut it in the Premier League but the 23-year-old dramatically upped his games in the 2012-2013 season and was one of the key players in Manchester United’s title success.

This season hasn’t been great for David Moyes but De Gea has arguably been the best player. De Gea is blessed with extraordinary shot stopping skills, and slowly has become a calming influence in goal. He could go on to become one of the best in his position in a few years. Keeping him at Old Trafford will be key for Manchester United.

#2 Adnan Januzaj

Januzaj has been one of the revelations of the season and is already starting regularly for the first team despite being only 19. Januzaj has produced a string of impressive displays which have cemented his reputation as one of the most promising young footballers in Europe.

He has won acclaim for his dribbling and crossing skills which make him a real threat on either flank. In spite of his tender age Januzaj looks extremely calm on the ball and doesn't show any signs of nervousness. He has a long way to go before he becomes the finished product but will take the world by storm once he reaches his full potential. People at the club are of the belief that he might go on to become as influential a player as Ronaldo was at United.

#3 Phil Jones

Jones’s impressive potential and energy filled performances were why he was signed from Blackburn Rovers back in 2011. The then teenage defender had a great debut season, playing 42 games in all competitions. Jones was compared to legendary United defender Duncan Edwards by United great Sir Bobby Charlton. His versatility is another facet of his game that is considered very vital at Manchester United.

He has been erratic, and needs to learn to temper his aggression, but it is clear that he is not fazed by the mistakes he has made, and that is crucial, as he will improve as he gains confedence. Jones has excellent technical ability, commands his area very well, and is very confident, and could be a future Manchester United and England captain.

#4 Danny Welbeck

Manchester United fans will always have a special place in their heart for Welbeck – who introduced himself to the world with a 30-yeard strike against Stoke City in the Premier League back in 2008. The Manchester born lad is one of United’s most successful home grown players in recent times and formed an enviable partnership with Wayne Rooney in the 2011-2012 season scoring 12 goals before losing his place to a certain Dutchman.

The 2012-2013 season was a bit disappointing for Welbeck as he only managed to score 2 goals but to be fair to him, he was mostly played out of position by Sir Alex Ferguson. In spite of his disappointing season Welbeck gained praise for his work ethic. He might not be a natural finisher but makes up for that with his lightning pace and movement, which can be a nightmare for defenders.

David Moyes has shown a lot of faith in Welbeck and the forward repaid the managers faith in him by scoring 10 goals before he was ruled out with a knee injury. Welbeck will become much better with time and be a key part of the team going ahead.

#5 Chris Smalling

The young defender has long been thought of as one who will become a top class defender in a few years' time. Smalling has had a horrendous time as a right-back this season but has shown signs of settling well in his centre back role.

His recent displays at centre back have looked promising and if Jones and Smalling prove themselves to be a consistent pairing, they could possibly be England's future pairing. Smalling is very good in the air and is blessed with pace which are good assets to have. He will have an important role to play going forward as he has been at the club for some time now, and knows what is required to succeed.