Manchester United have some promising youngsters at the club
Manchester United have some promising youngsters at the club
Manchester United are going to have to be smart in the summer transfer window as they juggle their difficult financial situation.
United confirmed last month that they had recorded a total loss of £27million in the final three months of 2024 and need to be careful to ensure they don't breach Premier League Profit and Sustainability (PSR) rules. It means that Ruben Amorim's side are anticipated to have a restricted transfer budget in the summer.
While selling the likes of Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho are expected to increase the amount United can spend, the club may have to be astute with their business. As well as signing players on cut-price deals, promoting youth from the academy is another way United could save money.
United's Under 21s are having a fine season and sit seventh in Premier League 2 after winning 10 of their 16 matches. However, United boast two games in hand on most of their rivals, meaning they could move to as high as fourth and close the gap on leaders Manchester City to seven points.
As for United's Under 18s, they are also having an impressive campaign and sit second in U18 Premier League North, two points behind Manchester City. United have won 15 and drawn one of their 18 matches. They average more than three goals a game and have conceded just 15 times.
The future is bright at Carrington and there is no reason why United can't be promoting more players through the system, as talent is there in abundance. Here, the Manchester Evening News takes a look at five stars, in particular, that could save Sir Jim Ratcliffe and United millions in the future...
Gabriele Biancheri
A highly-rated forward, Gabriele Biancheri's career trajectory is only going one way and that is up. Born in September 2006, 18-year-old Biancheri joined United from Cardiff City in February 2023 and has been a mainstay in United's academy ever since, progressing through the age groups.
This season, Biancheri's form has been frightening. The striker has scored 17 goals and added three assists in 25 appearances in all competitions. He has been playing for both United's Under 18s and Under 23s, and last featured for Wales Under 19s against Portugal on Friday evening.
While Biancheri hasn't played for United's first-team so far, it wouldn't be a surprise if he was to be handed a call-up in the not-so-distant future. A forward with an eye for goal, he can also play out wide. His pace, trickery and ball-playing ability makes him able to be used as a winger.
Gabriele Biancheri has impressed for Manchester United this season (Image: Getty Images)
James Scanlon
A name that might already be well known to United supporters after he was named in the matchday squad against Real Sociedad earlier this month, but James Scanlon has a bright career ahead of him. The Leicester-born midfielder, 18, is one of the brightest young talents in the club's academy and he has raised Ruben Amorim's eyebrows.
Scanlon has scored 17 goals and added six assists in 24 matches this season, with the majority of those coming while playing for the club's Under 18s. A fast and talented operator, Scanlon's best position appears to be out on the left, while he can also play as the attacking midfielder or on the right.
It's the type of versatility that can stand him in good stead for years to come. On Friday, Scanlon made his full international debut for Gibraltar against Montenegro, playing 83 minutes as the No.10. This was the first taste of senior football Scanlon has had and it wouldn't be a shock if his first-team minutes increase in the coming months.
James Scanlon of Manchester United (Image: Getty Images)
Harry Amass
Harry Amass is someone United see as a long-term talent. He made his competitive debut for Amorim's side during their 3-0 win over Leicester City last time out, coming on for the final 21 minutes.
Amass was first introduced to the first-team scene while on the club's pre-season tour of the United States last summer and there was hope and expectation that he would be handed a chance this season. However, the 18-year-old has had to bide his time and has since been playing for the club's Under 23s instead.
A energetic left-back, it does feel like United can save spending more money on defenders by trusting the likes of Amass to come through and cement a place in the first-team picture.
Finley McAllister
Finley McAllister captained United's Under 18s to treble-winning glory two years ago and is considered as a top talent for the future. The midfielder is a hard-working player who is disciplined in and out of possession.
McAllister, 18 is renowned for being hard to dispossess due to his awareness and quick thinking when he receives the ball in tight spaces. Due to his defensive capabilities, McAllister can also play as a right-back. His versatility and leadership skills are impressive traits for a teenager, making him someone to look out for in years to come.
JJ Gabriel
Joseph Junior Andreou Gabriel, known as JJ Gabriel, is a prestigious talent in the United academy. Born in October 2010, 14-year-old Gabriel has wowed those at Carrington with his performances at Under 14s level and it has since seen the forward move four age groups up to the Under 18s.
Recognised for his versatility, Gabriel can excel as both a striker and a winger and is able to play in a number of roles across the front line. His vision and passing enable him to be used in more creative positions, while agility, pace and balance makes him a formidable opponent when running in behind.
Rising Stars reported earlier this month that Gabriel's development has attracted attention not only within the club but also internationally. His flair, technical and dribbling ability have drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr, while Cristiano Ronaldo's rise to prominence has also been likened.