Man Utd's next generation of wonderkids

Manchester United have set off on their pre-season United States tour with a number of young stars involved, but some other talents have left Old Trafford this summer.

When Manchester United took on Young Boys in the Champions League in 2021, it looked like a breakthrough moment for the next generation of academy stars, but some of those involved have already moved on to pastures new.

Zidane Iqbal has made a much-publicised exit, joining Utrecht in the Eredivisie. Charlie Savage, who joined his fellow midfielder in making a late cameo, is also on the verge of leaving Old Trafford.

A third academy star, Ethan Laird, has also moved on after being tipped for the top before an unfortunate run with injuries. There are still a number of talented up-and-comers, though, and Mirror Football has the lowdown on some of those starlets.

Joe Hugill

Hugill had already impressed at youth level before netting in pre-season against Leeds. United won the race to sign the forward from Sunderland when he was just 16, with Arsenal among the others linked.

Now 19, the hotshot has 24 goals in 41 Premier League 2 outings. He also scored his first senior career goal last term, netting against York City while on loan at Altrincham.

Noam Emeran

French talent Emeran was the other scorer in the Leeds game. The 20-year-old came through the ranks at Amiens before choosing United above a number of European big-hitters.

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The winger enjoyed a flying finish to the 2022-23 season for United's under-21s. He scored four in the last three games in Premier League 2, helping United's youngsters secure their top-flight status.

Hannibal

Hannibal might be a little more established than others on this list. However, after spending last season out on loan, this season could be a chance for him to really impress Erik ten Hag.

With three Premier League outings and 24 Tunisia caps under the midfielder's belt, it's easy to forget he's still just 20 years old. An impressive year on loan at Birmingham, playing 38 times in the Championship, will leave him feeling he can deliver at a higher level.

Alvaro Fernandez

Alvaro Fernandez is back after a successful loan.

Another man who spent last season in the Championship is Fernandez. The full-back, who spent time in Real Madrid's academy, made 27 starts for Preston last term.

“Hopefully, that is my dream now," he said when asked about more minutes for his parent club. "For the next season I have to come back in pre-season and we’re going to see. Erik ten Hag has to choose if they want me there or if they don’t want me."

Dan Gore

Gore has joined the likes of Fernandez and Hannibal in United's squad for their US tour. The midfielder played a part in Donny van de Beek's winner against Lyon in the last friendly, and now has more time to impress.

Dan Gore earned an assist against Lyon

Dan Gore earned an assist against Lyon ( Image: Getty Images)

Still just 18, the England youth international featured prominently in United's run to the FA Youth Cup final in 2022. He captained the team in the same competition this season, though they couldn't get past the fourth round.

Kobbie Mainoo

Another midfielder, Mainoo doesn't need much of an introduction for Man Utd fans. The local lad made his debut last season, starting against Charlton in the EFL Cup, and also got his first Premier League minutes in United's February victory over Leicester.

Manchester United may not be having the best of seasons, but there are certainly some positives they can take into the 2024/25 campaign.

Arguably the biggest positive for the Red Devils this season has been the emergence of Kobbie Mainoo.

In the space of a season, the 18-year-old has gone from an exciting prospect to a player Man United and England could potentially build their future teams around.

Mainoo only made his first Premier League start in November last year, but he has very quickly become one of Manchester United’s main players.

At just 18 years of age, the Red Devils midfielder has already made 23 competitive appearances for the Old Trafford side, and now he has two senior England caps to his name.

In March, Mainoo made his first start for the Three Lions in their friendly against Belgium, and he was head and shoulders above many of the players on the field.

Mainoo now looks like he has a great chance of making the plane to Germany for a Euro 2024 tournament in which England look like genuine contenders.