It’s not all about bringing talent through the ranks at some clubs in the Premier League, but for United, it most certainly is. It seems that for every game, no matter who we play or where it is, there seems to be several players with strong connections to the Youth and Reserve teams at United. While this season has seen a portion of that ‘Golden Generation’ leave the club in terms of players, (Neville & Scholes), you have to remember that all the time, other youngsters are constantly looking to impress at Carrington to show Sir Alex that they have what it takes to be a member of the First Team.
Over the last two years, it seems like a constant flow of good and positive news coming from the reserves and youth teams. The reserves were triumphant in the Manchester Senior Cup last season while also picking up trophies in 2010, 2009 and 2008. The academy did their bit last season too, winning the FA Youth Cup. Other recent hauls were the Premier Academy League in 2010 after a double scoop of the Milk Cup in 2008 and 2009. So there is talent within the ranks at United.
But as is seemingly always the case with young players at United, a brief blinding moment from them, and the media are over them like a swarm of bees. The most obvious names which spring to mind there would be Danny Welbeck and Federico Macheda. Both score wonderful goals on their débuts and are built up to be the next big thing. Being a close friend of a youngster at Fulham, I’ve experienced t some degree the thoughts that go through their minds. I know, Fulham and United, you cannot compare but it is something. I’m convinced that it takes a very thick skinned person and mentally tough one too, in order to succeed an early boost in exposure to the media. Some handle it brilliantly, others not so much.
Looking through the current crop of youngsters at United, I’m not trying in any way to ‘big’ them up here, merely trying to highlight which ones have a big potential provided they keep their heads down and do what is required of them.
Joe Coll
Signed as a goalkeeper at just 16 years of age, this lad hails from Donegal in Ireland which has a name for turning out some top drawer shot stoppers such as Packie Bonner and Shay Given. Coll had been attracting interest from both Arsenal and Manchester City according to his family but in the end, when United came calling, he was more than willing to make the journey across the water.
Coll found himself on the bench for a large part of last season, appearing as a substitute for the reserves six times and the academy seventeen times. He did however manage to make eight starts for Brian McClair. Unfortunately for Coll, Sam Johnstone has taken a firm grip of the goalkeeper gloves and it could be difficult to grab them from him. I’ve seen Coll play three times for the Republic of Ireland at youth level and he doesn’t look like a dodgy signing at all. Clean sheets in two of the three games along with some fine saves. Almost 6″ 2′, Coll has the makings of a fine goalkeeper in years to come. Certainly one to watch at United and hopefully he can make a break-through at some stage.
Ravel Morrison
Highly rated youngster from Manchester here. Rumours have surfaced that Morrison could be going with the first team to the US this summer for the pre-season tour. With his first team début already under his belt, Morrison has been the name on many fans’ lips around Old Trafford as one to watch for the future.
Pacey, brave and able to strike a shot, I feel we could be seeing Morrison make several appearances in the League Cup next season if all goes according to plan for United. With twelve goals in twenty five appearances last season for all three teams at United, Morrison is making himself known to many.
Robert Brady
An Irish midfielder/striker with great promise it has to be said. Actually played against Brady when he was at school-boy level and even now I can remember him commanding the ball do go where he wanted. In 2009, Brady really burst onto the scene for the academy at the Milk Cup which they went on to win. Robbie has had a tough time on the injury front, seemingly picking up one every few games.
However, he was an important player in the reserves last season making sixteen starts (three appearances from the bench) and managing to get on the score sheet six times. Tagged as an ‘exciting’ player by coaching staff at United, Brady must be very close to making in-roads on the first team.
Nicky Ajose
One of my favourite players within the ranks at United, Ajose is a striker I’d love to see break through to the first team. Nicky spent last season on loan at Bury where he scored thirteen times in almost thirty appearances. The very fact United have sent him on loan indicates that they feel a talent could be emerging and he needs more matches under his belt – something which would have been harder to do had he stayed at United as others are also looking to impress.
Along with his season loan, the Englishman managed to get nine reserve games at United under his belt (two substitute appearances) where he blasted in seven trademark strikes. Unfortunately, I compare a lot of the young strikers at United to Giuseppe Rossi who left the club a few seasons back. Ajose has some traces of the path Rossi took at United. Quick player who has a deft touch and knows how to find the back of the net. It is likely Ajose will push for a regular reserve spot in the coming 2011/2012 season. Wishing him all the best!
Will Keane
One of two Keane’s still at United, and no relation to Roy, Will Keane is the striker with the academy who is raising eyebrows. Some even as high as Carlo Ancelotti. Unlike his brother Michael (also in the academy), Will is showing rapid signs of progression in ability, and his contributions to the team two seasons ago were rewarded in the best possible way for a reserves player at United. Keane won the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award in 2009/2010, and was presented with his award on the clubs annual award night in Old Trafford.
Keane managed to make seven starting appearances for the reserves last season along with two from the subs bench. Incredibly, he managed to notch six goals in those games, but what’s even more impressive is the tally he reached for the academy. Twenty appearances with a grand total of eighteen goals. And Dimitar Berbatov was the highest scorer at United last season? I think not! This lad is going places and is without question another who I have my eye on very closely at the club.
Obviously I’ve not mentioned some of the other talents in the club who are eager to make their career at football a successful one at United. If I’ve left out someone in particular who you feel I should have given a shout, then please leave a comment below telling me why he has the potential to be a success at United.
There’s been some fine names to come through the United academy and reserves over the last number of years. Obviously the ‘Golden Generation’ cannot go forgotten, but apart from those men who else do we have? A select few include; Gerard Piqué, John O’Shea, Tom Cleverley, Ryan Giggs, Bobby Charlton, George Best, Johnny Giles, Brian Kidd, Kieran Richardson, Robbie Savage and many, many more.
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