It is no secret that Manchester United has a rich history when it comes to promoting homegrown talent. In fact, this season, United continued to have a homegrown player in the matchday squad for 85 years, which is truly an astounding record.
The tradition will undoubtedly continue to live long with the likes of Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho flourishing, but manager Erik ten Hag could be looking at other members of the youth system to help bolster his squad this year as they look to build on a successful season.
Departures from Manchester United
It is expected to be busier at Old Trafford for departures than at the airport! Players are expected to be leaving Old Trafford quickly and hopefully for a price tag. Five players have already been set to release, including senior players Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe.
However, reports of suggesting more could follow with ten Hag looking to improve his squad. No fewer than nine players from the first team are expected to leave Old Trafford with Scott McTominay, Fred, Donny Van De Beek, Anthony Elanga, Anthony Martial, Brandon Williams (although some United fans want him on a lifetime contract after his Instagram rant), Eric Bailly, Alex Telles and captain Harry Maguire.
With doubts creeping in about Jadon Sancho as well, United might have a lot of work to do in the window.
Manchester United also lost three players whose loans expired. Jack Butland, Wout Weghorst and Marcel Sabitzer all returned to their parent clubs.
There is also the contract matter of goalkeepers David De Gea and Tom Heaton to consider.
What talent stands out?
Obviously, ten Hag will be looking to the transfer market with Harry Kane, Mason Mount and Min-Jae Kim as the main targets that seem to have any traction so far, but he would not be in a terrible situation if he looks to the youth that United have.
Obviously, Garnacho has been the stand-out player from the youth team as he has soared straight to the first team, but ten Hag could be about to give opportunities to several more youth team players.
Manchester United has some outstanding talent currently at the club and players who have impressed on loan. There has been a lot of noise for giving players such as Zidane Iqbal (who has featured on the bench this year), Teden Mengi, Kobbie Mainoo, Charlie McNeil, Charlie Savage and Álvaro Fernández. All have impressed for several years in the youth academy, but the likes of Savage, McNeil and Fernandez have all gained first-team experience out on loan.
You must not forget that Manchester United also has talent in the likes of Amad Diallo and Facundo Pellistri. Although they were bought in by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, these two wingers have some natural talent and have impressed whilst at United, and Diallo has had a great year with Sunderland.
Would it work?
It is just an option for Erik ten Hag to consider. It would not be like the dramatic overhaul that Sir Alex Ferguson undertook with his class of 92 when senior figures like Andrei Kanchelskis, Steve Bruce and Paul Parker all left to be replaced by youth products.
Yet, it could be a shrewd move considering United is not expected to be having a war chest this summer. Although there is expected to be some money for the more urgent positions, ten Hag could consider giving youth more of an opportunity in the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup this coming season.