United Academy Graduates to Push for a First-team Spot Under Rangnick

Ralf Rangnick’s appointment has resulted in renewed optimism around Old Trafford. Following a nauseating stream of underwhelming performances under the previous manager, it seems the Red Devils have finally got their act together amidst exploring a new avenue under Rangnick’s tutelage. Although it’s been only a week since the German took office, United have already begun showing signs of improvement and development across various metrics, especially with the academy graduates and other youngsters.

Having already qualified for the next stage of the competition, it was the academy graduates who were granted appearances in the club’s mid-week UEFA Champions League tie against Young Boys on Wednesday. With Rangnick having been, reportedly, impressed with a couple of youngsters during initial training sessions, it came as no surprise that the manager opted for a bench brimming with young prospects eager to showcase their talent on the biggest stage in Europe.

Although the United vs Young Boys fixture failed in fulfilling expectations, many of the club’s academy graduates provided glimpses of their potential on Wednesday. With the manager having reiterated his desire to enhance and develop the club’s enamoured ethos of providing opportunities for youth players to succeed at the senior level, many of United’s prospects will be jubilant with his arrival.

While Rangnick decided to deploy a blend of youth and experience in the starting line-up on Wednesday, the German also handed out debuts to two bright prospects in Zidane Iqbal and Charlie Savage. Having handed out minutes to six academy graduates who featured in a team with an average age of 18 – barring the senior United players – the German laid down a marker for the academy’s pathway moving forward.

Six Man Utd teenagers played in the #UCL tonight:

◉ 17-year-old Shola Shoretire
◉ 18-year-old Charlie Savage
◉ 18-year-old Iqbal Zidane
◉ 19-year-old Amad Diallo
◉ 19-year-old Teden Mengi
◉ 19-year-old Anthony Elanga

Which team were the Young Boys? 😅 pic.twitter.com/2OjZMjZD86

— Squawka (@Squawka) December 8, 2021

Although there remained several players who lacked grit and chemistry, the manager will be hopeful of integrating and utilizing the expansive academy set-up during his time at the club. Having shown a promising insight into their potential, there emerged a few youngsters who will be hoping to be increasingly involved in the first-team preparations over the coming months.

Amad Diallo

Amongst United’s brightest prospects, Amad made his first senior appearance of the season on Wednesday. Heavily involved in the team’s build-up play, the youngster found himself on the end of a couple of goal-scoring opportunities but lacked the composure to find the back of the net. He delivered a decent performance, especially considering his lack of game-time and certainly showed his potential.

All set for his maiden first-team appearance of the campaign ⚽️✨

👏 @AmadDiallo_19 #MUFC | #UCL pic.twitter.com/jifKEKDmKf

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 8, 2021

The Ivorian youngster has already stacked up goal contributions across youth competitions and is amongst the few youngsters expected to remain involved in and around the first-team set-up under the new manager. Though the youngster may be moved out on loan to gain valuable experience in January, Amad is regarded as a challenger for a first-team spot over the coming weeks.

Anthony Elanga

Anthony Elanga was granted a surprising cameo against Crystal Palace after reports alluded to Ralf Rangnick’s admiration towards the youngster. Amongst a crop of young talents highly-revered by the club’s coaches, Elanga failed to deliver to expectations on Wednesday but will be hopeful on continuing to impress on the training pitch.

Much like his teammates, the young Swede struggled in link-up play on multiple occasions. The forward failed to convert a golden opportunity in the opening minutes of the second half and subsequently, fell victim to the team’s lack of tenacity over the remainder of the game. With high-quality competition for places across all positions, the youngster will be wary of delivering sombre performances over the next months. He remains a promising prospect and will be keen on contributing to United’s successes for the remainder of the campaign.

Shola Shoretire

Amongst the youngest players on the pitch, Shola Shoretire displayed infectious tenacity during his short cameo against the Young Boys. Eager to impress, the young English prospect remained unintimidated by the occasion and showcased palpable maturity on the pitch.

With more room for improvement and a promising future ahead, Shoretire will be hoping to develop and continue impressing in youth competitions over the coming months. Regarded as an eye-catching performer, the youngster will be keen on increasing his involvement and gaining experience from first-team preparations moving forward.

Teden Mengi

An impressive cameo saw Teden Mengi produce crucial blocks in the second half against the Swiss side. Although was expected to be handed a start on Wednesday, the youngster delivered a promising performance after coming on from the bench, potentially catching the eye of the new manager.

Tenden Mengi, Academy graduate, Man Utd — Image obtained via MEN

Having been a regular feature across the youth set-up at United, Mengi remains amongst the most promising academy graduates to warrant a first-team opportunity in the coming months. Provided the youngster remains consistent and continues contributing across youth competitions, the young English centre-back is amongst a few expected to gradually integrate themselves in first-team preparations in the immediate future.

Zidane Iqbal & Charlie Savage

The two debutants on the evening, Iqbal and Savage, had little less than ten minutes to showcase their mettle. Although the youngsters, unsurprisingly, failed to make much of an impact on the scoreline, both youngsters provided a bite of competitiveness during their short cameo on the evening.

With much room for improvement, both Iqbal and Savage will be hoping to gain more such opportunities in the future. Given their nascent taste of senior football, both players will be keen on staying fit and competitive during the youth competitions.

Stay tuned to know more about Manchester United.