A pair of disappointing results would throw United off track, and Ralf Rangnick would consider giving young players a chance.
United has some great players who deserve to be given chances, some of whom have already made their first-team debuts. Here’s a look at six players who could make an impact in Manchester United’s first team…
Alejandro Garnacho
Garnacho is now on international duty with Argentina, which tells much about how well regarded he is.
This season, the 17-year-old has 15 goals in all competitions for United’s academy sides, including five in the FA Youth Cup.
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Garnacho’s priority will be the Youth Cup, but after the final, he could be in line for a first-team promotion.
If given the chance, the former Atletico Madrid teenager is an explosive player who may add some real excitement to the attacking positions.
Shola Shoretire
Shola Shoretire has had a very solid and fruitful season for Manchester United’s junior sides, despite not being spectacular.
When he made his debut last season, the 18-year-old had eight goals and ten assists in all competitions, making him one of the club’s youngest ever players.
Shoretire has already played once under Ralf Rangnick, against Young Boys, which will help him.
Zidane Iqbal
Shola Shoretire has had a very solid and fruitful season for Manchester United’s junior sides, despite not being spectacular.
When he made his debut last season, the 18-year-old had eight goals and ten assists in all competitions, making him one of the club’s youngest ever players.
Shoretire has already played once under Ralf Rangnick, against Young Boys, which will help him.
Zidane Iqbal
Rangnick gave another young player, Savage, his debut, and the teenager has gone from strength to strength since.
If United chose to bring Robbie Savage’s son through, he might provide an option in the defensive midfield area. He has also begun to add goals to his game, with two scores for the under-23s in the last month.
Hannibal has been working with Manchester United’s first squad in recent weeks and was named on the bench for the Champions League match against Atletico Madrid.
The 17-year-old has already earned 11 international caps for Tunisia and is preparing for the first-team play. Rangnick should make it a priority to get him through to the end of the season.
Hannibal may fill in for Paul Pogba or Fred in midfield, or move into an offensive role if Bruno Fernandes is rested.
Alvaro Fernandez
This season, Alvaro Fernandez has been a strong force at left-back for the under-23s, impressing with his offensive efforts.
The former Real Madrid teenager has eight assists and three goals in his career and would be an interesting addition to the first squad.
Neither Luke Shaw nor Alex Telles has made a strong case for the left-back position, so Fernandez has the potential to change things up.
Charlie McNeill
When Manchester United needs a youthful new striker, it’s impossible to overlook Charlie McNeill.
McNeill has a spectacular scoring rate for the academy, with 13 goals this season and 25 last year, and he could benefit from being elevated for a game or two to show what he can do.
The 18-year-old would relish the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Marcus Rashford, who memorably seized his opportunity when it presented him.
