Manchester United are enjoying a much-needed renaissance under Michael Carrick's wing, with the interim manager restructuring the squad's skeleton and nudging them back into the ascendancy.
The total bleakness of the Ruben Amorim era feels a distance away now, and Carrick, who may or may not be in the dugout next term, has restored some balance and direction at the Theatre of Dreams.
However, there are still improvements to be made, one of which centres on ushering in the next batch of academy talent, ready to make their mark for the seniors.
Man-Utd-Michael-Carrick-Newcastle
The recent success of Arsenal's Max Dowman has seen rival clubs yearn for their own version, and many at Old Trafford would argue they have an even bigger talent in JJ Gabriel.
The rise of JJ Gabriel
As Arsenal defeated Everton on Saturday evening, Dowman came off the bench and scored to become the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history.
Youngest goalscorers in Premier League history (Dowman, Vaughan timeless)
It could take an age for that record to be broken, or it might be smashed in the coming months by Gabriel, who, aged 15, is already being described as one of Man United's most exciting youth prospects in many years.
Gabriel is not eligible to make his Premier League debut just yet, for he was only 14 when the current campaign began. Even so, this is "one of the most exciting talents in the world", according to the Manchester Evening News' Steven Railston.
The rising star hasn't quite discovered his sharpest position yet, but that's okay. His technical level is astounding for one so young, and he's fleet-footed and dynamic as an athlete. The future, it must be said, looks very bright for this one.
Gabriel might appear to be the cream of United's young crop, but he's not the only one with the potential to become a superstar.
Man Utd have found their own Max Dowman
Manchester United's connection with their youth academy is woven into the very core of their outfit. The powers that be and the paying fans will all be hoping to see someone like Gabriel rise to the top, but in Shea Lacey, the club may have a talent who is just as exciting.
S Lacey
Described as a "Phil Foden regen" by journalist Jack Kenmare, Lacey, 18, has remarkable close control and an almost balletic grace when driving the ball forward. He is skilled on both wings and can focus his creativity from No. 10 too, though it's rare that he's played as a centre-forward throughout his years in development at Old Trafford.
Under Amorim, Lacey started to wedge his way into first-team contention this season, but his opportunities have dried up since Carrick has been reinstated into the dugout. This is perhaps down to a tactical tweak, United orienting toward a more conventional tactical structure.
Shea Lacey - Career Stats by Position
Position
Right wing
Attacking midfield
Left wing
And, of course, Lacey's succession of late bookings as United were knocked out of the FA Cup by Brighton & Hove Albion in January, under the stewardship of Darren Fletcher, might have knocked him back a peg.
But this is a small setback for a versatile attacker who is billed as a potential superstar and will only improve as the months and years go by.
Hardened by adversity at the start of his career, Lacey could use this setback to propel himself forward and jockey with the likes of Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo for supremacy on the right wing next season, proving to the likes of Arsenal that Dowman isn't the only precocious prospect on the rise.
It does feel like this is the year of the youngster in the Premier League. Dowman has been born as Arsenal's new superstar, and 17-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha is also making gains at Liverpool.
However, United might just have a few talents who are just as good - if not better. Gabriel's name might carry the most weight at Carrington, but Lacey also boasts prodigious potential and he could be the next one to nail down a regular place in Carrick's first team.
He's already made his name known, a "wing wizard", as dubbed by the Daily Mail's Chris Wheeler, with a penchant for show-stopping moments.
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