sportbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

3 Manchester United Youngsters Who Could Get Their Chance In 2022 Pre-Season

3 Manchester United Youngsters Who Could Get Their Chance In 2022 Pre-Season

These three young talents could get a chance to impress in Erik ten Hag's first pre-season as Manchester United boss.

Erik ten Hag will be looking to get his team into shape during pre-season, but he will also be assessing some of Manchester United's exciting youth talent this summer.

The Dutch manager is no stranger to top-level youth and he's shown previously that he can develop these players. If they are good enough, he will undoubtedly trust them in the first team set-up.

Jurrien Timber was gifted his Ajax debut by Ten Hag at 18 years of age against SC Heerenveen in a 3-1 victory. He has now appeared 74 times for the club and is on the radar of United.

Ryan Gravenberch is another player given the opportunity to play at a young age under United's new manager. Ten Hag gave the new Bayern Munich signing his debut in September 2018 when he was just 16 years old.

He amassed 103 appearances for the Dutch club and was wanted by Ten Hag at United, however he had already agreed to join the German champions.

There are countless other examples which show Ten Hag's willingness to trust a player if they are good enough. He might find that he can trust a number of United's academy talent.

They will get the chance to impress their new manager when pre-season starts at the end of the month.

Alejandro Garnacho

The FA Youth Cup wonder boy made his name heard last season as he starred for the United youth teams, scoring seven goals and assisting twice on the club's run to win the most prestigious youth trophy in the country.

He was integrated into the first-team training mid-season and made his debut against Chelsea in April.

After being awarded the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year, Garnacho moved onto international duty with Argentina Under-20s, where he won two more individual accolades.

His impressive campaign is likely to land him a brand new contract with the club, as discussions are taking place.

Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United is in discussions for a new contract at Old Trafford. (Alamy)
Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United is in discussions for a new contract at Old Trafford. (Alamy)

It is also expected that the young winger will be apart of the squad for Ten Hag's first pre-season as Manchester United manager.

With great talent, Garnacho could be one who impresses the new manager in pre-season. It is then likely that he remains at the club and experiences the first-team environment for an entire campaign, while also developing his game with the Under-23s on matchdays.

James Garner

The central midfielder helped Nottingham Forest reach Premier League status for the first time since 1999 on his season long loan at the club last season.

It was a goal created by the United man that won the play-off final for Steve Cooper's side. He appeared 49 times for Forest across the term and could be ready for integration into United's first-team.

Assessment will be made of the 21-year-old by Ten Hag over the course of pre-season. United's narrow depth in their engine room could give him a better chance at being given an opportunity at the Theatre of Dreams.

James Garner played a significant role in Nottingham Forest's promotion. (Alamy)
James Garner played a significant role in Nottingham Forest's promotion. (Alamy)

Garner is not the answer to United's defensive midfield prayers. but he could provide solid competition for the likes of Scott McTominay, who was underwhelming last season and has failed to elevate his game.

With both Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba out of the door, there is no doubt that Ten Hag will keep close attention on Garner over the next months to decide what move is best for him next.

Ethan Laird

The exciting full-back has had two excellent loan spells over the last two campaigns at both MK Dons and Swansea.

While his Bournemouth move in January did not work out as expected, it still would've been a very valuable experience for the defender.

With reports suggesting that Aaron Wan-Bissaka is being offered to clubs elsewhere, Ten Hag will need someone to challenge Diogo Dalot on the right side of his defence.

It is a similar situation to the one two years ago, when Brandon Williams was brought through in order to challenge United's full-backs due to a lack of depth. However, at that time Laird was struggling with injuries and a loan move made better sense for his development.

Ethan Laird gives the Swansea City fans the thumbs up after being substituted in the second half against Peterborough
Ethan Laird gives the Swansea City fans the thumbs up after being substituted in the second half against Peterborough

Now, he could be ready for the task. He's a dynamic offensive wingback who could help with the attacking fragilities that United have had on that right-hand side in recent years.

Ten Hag will decide what is best for the 20-year-old during the pre-season camp. It is still possible that one more loan move could be best, especially if United bring in another full-back on that side in the transfer market.

Yet, he could also be ready to challenge Dalot for the spot which he snatched from Wan-Bissaka last season.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Football, Premier League, Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, Alejandro Garnacho

Choose your content: