Manchester United have identified two talented youngsters who could replicate the success of Kobbie Mainoo.
Despite finishing the season with an FA Cup final victory against neighbours Manchester City, on the whole it has been a disastrous campaign for Man United.
United endured their worst league campaign in over 30 years, with Erik ten Hag's side finishing in eighth place in the Premier League table with a goal difference of minus-one.
One of the redeeming qualities of the 2023-24 season though was the emergence of Kobbie Mainoo, who like fellow youngsters Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund flourished while senior teammates often struggled.
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Mainoo, a graduate of United's academy, seized the opportunity that United's injury crisis granted him and never looked back.
The 19-year-old midfielder was so impressive that he forced his way into the England picture, with Gareth Southgate including him in his 33-man provisional squad for Euro 2024 this summer. He is expected to make the final 26-man party.
Following Mainoo's stunning rise, United have earmarked two more academy youngster who they believe could follow in the midfielder's footsteps.
According to The Telegraph's Mike McGrath, United have high hopes for Toby Collyer, 20, and Harry Amass, 17, and see both as having first team potential.
Collyer, a defensive midfielder, travelled with the United squad for the FA Cup final at Wembley. According to McGrath, he was spotted deep in conversation with Ten Hag after the match.
Left-back Amass arrived from Watford’s academy last year and was named as a substitute for six of United's final eight Premier League matches in 2023-24.
United's eagerness to promote players from within is understandable given the success of Mainoo, but it could be a smart way for INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe to cut salaries and asdress the club's habit of spending big on ageing stars.
Topics: Manchester United, Kobbie Mainoo, Erik Ten Hag, Gareth Southgate, Football, Premier League
Alex Brotherton