Manchester United: Academy players to watch out for

Manchester United have a strong history regarding youths coming through their system and has continue throughout the years. The United reserves have seen several starlets leave Old Trafford this year. Most noticeably is Paul Pogba, who departed for Juventus after two years at United, and Ezekiel Fryers, for Standard Liege.

Luckily, there are youths in the academy who are ready to step up to the reserves now and in a year or two.

Nicholas Ioannou

The young Cypriot defender made a couple appearances in the FA Youth Cup due to defensive injuries, playing almost two years higher than his age group. A raw talent with good size and a natural footballer, he is the son of Demetris Ioannou, centre back for the Cyprus national team. United like what they see and his development will continue at the U-18 level.

Jack Barmby

Son of Nick Barmby, Jack is a skillful winger and scores good goals. Impressive in the Milk Cup last season, he continue his fine run of form throughout the season. Snapped up from Hull City a few years ago, Barmby has only improved. He scored in every game of the FA Youth cup until the defeat to Chelsea. Barmby has another year of eligibility with the academy, and will look to grow even more under Paul McGuinness.

Adnan Januzaj

Adnan Januzaj is another young midfielder who has impressed for Paul McGuinness’s academy side. He arrived from FC Brussels last season when the summer transfer window opened and immediately caught the eye. He has vision that should mature as he does and he is a tricky player. He has neat tricks that make Januzaj someone you want to see play. Serious injury curtailed most of his season, but Januzaj looks as if he will be spending time between both the academy and reserve team.

Mats Møller Daehli

The Oslo-born Mats Daehli is very highly rated at Old Trafford. He was a first year scholar this past season and impressed at the academy level. A creative midfielder who wants to be on the ball, he drives forward with runs from the midfield, making things happen. Daehli was most impressive in the FA Youth cup game against Charlton Athletic, where he was all over the pitch, impressing with his work-rate and his vision. Daehli was awarded the prestigious Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year for his impressive displays all season. The plans at United are to ease the diminutive Norwegian into the reserves, giving him a chance to impress at a higher level.

Calling all United fans: Do you agree with Alex's views? Are you concerned about players leaving the reserves? Do you think these youth players will make it into the first team eventually? Whatever your views are we'd love to hear from you.

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