Manchester United have re-invested in their academy over the last few years, having allowed the focus to shift, and are starting to once more produce talents that are getting fans excited.
Brandon Williams and Mason Greenwood have become important first-team players this season, while the departure of Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia within the last year could well push open the first-team door wider for the promising Ethan Laird in the coming months.
There are a number of other young prospects who are equally highly thought of, yet perhaps still not quite ready for a first-team role at Old Trafford.
Here’s a look at six United youngsters who would benefit from a loan next season…
Dylan Levitt (MF)
Although still waiting for his international debut, Dylan Levitt was called into the senior Wales squad by United legend Ryan Giggs last May, long before he had made his first-team club debut.
Levitt was part of the young United side named by Solskjaer for this season’s away trip to Astana in the Europa League and impressed in that difficult game in freezing conditions in Kazakhstan, having been talked about as a potential first-teamer for some time.
The Manchester Evening News recently wrote that Levitt is ‘scheduled’ for a loan in 2020/21.
James Garner (MF)
James Garner is another United prospect said to be already ‘scheduled’ for a loan. The 19-year-old, who has been likened to Michael Carrick, made his first-team debut early in Solskjaer’s reign last February and has been highly praised by his manager.
“I believe he has got the chance to have a great future,” Solskjaer said after the youngster’s debut. “He knows we believe in him. We have great faith in him as the next Michael Carrick.
“I know he’s young and it’s not fair on kids to compare them to great players like Michael was, but he’s in the same mould. Michael had pressure coming in after Roy Keane. I’'s just the way it is at Manchester United.”
Championship sides Swansea and Sheffield Wednesday have already been rumoured as potential destinations for Garner next season.
Matej Kovar (GK)
United’s January capture of goalkeeper Nathan Bishop, who has significant first-team experience with former club Southend, could pave the way for Czech youth international Matej Kovar to head out on loan and get his own taste of senior football.
Kovar has been United’s primary number one at Under-23 level this season, while he was on the bench for the Astana game in November. He turned 20 this month.
Tahith Chong (FW)
Tahith Chong committed his immediate future to United earlier this year, having been linked with potential moves to Juventus and Inter. The Dutch winger’s new deal will now run until the summer of 2022, with the option of extending until 2023.
Although a star at youth team level, Chong, now 20, still has work to do to earn a regular first-team place at United. He has played 15 first-team games to date, only five of which have come in the Premier League, and a loan could be the springboard he needs.
Chong is competing for a place at Old Trafford with Marcus Rashford, Daniel James, Mason Greenwood, and potentially also Jadon Sancho if the club is successful in the transfer market. He is not likely going to win that battle as things stand.
Angel Gomes (MF)
United want to keep Angel Gomes, which is why the club is believed to have offered the 19-year-old a new contract worth a reported £30,000 per week. But his reason for resisting an extension is thought to come down to reservations over the amount of playing time he will get if he signs.
Gomes, who made his first-team debut at 16 and was tipped for superstardom, is understandably keen to get his career going.
Regular opportunities at United have not been forthcoming – he has made only 10 senior appearances in close to four years – yet a loan to a club of at least Championship level next season could be the perfect compromise for both parties.
Largie Ramazani (FW)
Largie Ramazani was among the group of United youngsters Solskjaer deemed it ‘too soon’ to throw into the first-team deep end amid a minor injury crisis in January this year.
But the diminutive Belgian was involved in Astana alongside a number of his junior colleagues, having enjoyed a prolific start to 2019/20 – his first full year at Under-23 level.
Ramazani only turned 19 in February and has shown with his form one step below the first-team that he is deserving of a chance. That would almost certainly have to come elsewhere than Old Trafford for now, but a loan is the opportunity he needs to prove his worth longer term.
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Source : 90min