Top 10 Man United academy stars ranked – From Kobbie Mainoo to the 15-year-old who’s impressed Sir Alex Ferguson
Man United’s Kobbie Mainoo is the talk of football after his England call-up and the 18-year-old sensation is the shining star of the long list of exciting prospects emerging from the ranks of the club.
The strength of United’s youth system was on full show last week when Erik ten Hag named four academy graduates in his starting line-up for United’s dramatic FA Cup quarter-final win against Liverpool.
The Red Devils have gained a global reputation for producing young stars and a new batch of youngsters are now ready to establish themselves on the big stage.
Here, Football Insider ranks the top 10 youngsters under the age of 21 coming through the ranks at United.
10. Jack Fletcher (17)
The son of former Man United midfielder Darren Fletcher looks set to follow his father’s footsteps at Old Trafford.
A technically-gifted midfielder who seems to have inherited his dad’s leadership qualities.
He joined United’s youth system from rivals Manchester City last year and is tipped to be a future first-team star.
9. Shea Lacey (16)
A young and energetic winger who has already made himself a regular with United’s Under-21s side.
Despite his brother playing in the Liverpool academy, Lacey snubbed United’s arch-rivals to instead represent the Red Devils.
8. Amir Ibragimov (15)
The youngest star on the list with one of the highest ceilings.
Despite his age, Ibragimov has already trained with the first team at Man United and had one-to-one talks with Sir Alex Ferguson.
The young forward made headlines earlier this season after scoring four times in one match against Newcastle, and he is considered one of the most exciting talents coming through the academy.
However, there is still a long way to go until he is knocking on the door of the first team.
7. Dan Gore (19)
Gore appears to be highly-rated by Ten Hag with the United manager giving the youngster two first-team appearances this season as well as nine appearances on the bench before loaning him out to Port Vale.
However, the young midfielder has struggled for game time during his loan stint and he’ll hope it hasn’t set him too far back on his path to the first team.
6. Harry Amass (17)
A perfect modern-day full-back on the verge of a first-team breakthrough.
United have a major issue at left-back with both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia out injured and Amass could be the solution.
He has regularly trained with United’s first team in recent weeks and will be hoping to make his debut this season.
5. Willy Kambwala (19)
United’s defensive crisis has provided Kambwala with a golden opportunity to break into the first team.
The 19-year-old has stepped up in the absence of Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire to make six senior appearances – including a late cameo against Manchester City.
United will no doubt be in the market for a new centre-back this summer but Ten Hag will also be keeping a keen eye on Kambwala’s development.
4. Charlie McNeill (20)
McNeill was signed by United from Manchester City for £750,000 and he made headlines during his first season in the academy by scoring 24 goals in his first 21 games.
His prolific goalscoring record was rewarded with a senior debut in the Europa League against Real Sociedad in 2022.
McNeill was sent on loan to Stevenage this season and he scored on his League One debut.
3. Omari Forson (19)
Forson was given the chance to join United on their pre-season tour last summer and the young winger took the opportunity with both hands.
He appeared in five of United’s eight pre-season games and impressed Ten Hag enough to make his way into the first-team picture.
The young winger now has three Premier League appearances to his name and he made an assist on his debut in the dramatic 4-3 win over Wolves.
2. Alejandro Garnacho (19)
The Argentine has not only broken his way into United’s first-team structure, but he has also established himself as one of the star players in the squad.
His electric speed, frightening footwork and lethal finishing has made him an instant fan favourite at Old Trafford.
Garnacho’s decision-making still needs improvement but the sky is the limit for United’s academy gem.
1. Kobbie Mainoo (18)
An 18-year-old who plays like a seasoned veteran.
Mainoo has been a breakthrough star and more for United this season – his incredible composure and technical ability has seen him become the star of the show in midfield.
A few eyebrows were raised when Mainoo was promoted immediately to the senior England squad, but he is a star in the making and that has been identified by Gareth Southgate.
As revealed by Football Insider, United are in advanced talks with Mainoo over a new contract.
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