10 Manchester United youngsters you need to keep your eye on

Manchester United are famous for their youngsters and have had huge success by using their academy. The ‘you don’t win anything with kids’ line spouted by Alan Hansen was laughed at by the group of players who progressed through the United ranks at the time – David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs Gary Neville and his brother Phil, as well as Nicky Butt. Here are 10 players who could follow in their footsteps in a sense that they can lead the Red Devils to glory at a young age.

1) Wilfried Zaha

Obviously there is a lot of hype around this winger, but he’s found chances limited so far and will be chomping at the bit to get on the field.

2) Nick Powell

Similar to Zaha, Powell’s arrival sparked excitement around the red half of Manchester. However his tender age meant that he was overlooked and has secured a loan deal to Wigan for the season.

3) Jesse Lingard

There aren’t many better ways to impress your new manager by scoring four goals on your debut, but that’s exactly what this young forward did. Lingard is on loan to Birmingham and currently on fire.

4) Will Keane

Although he missed the entire 2012/13 season through injury, Keane is tipped for brilliance. The striker has played for the first team already.

5) Guillermo Varela

Signed in the summer, the right-back impressed during a trial and was made the first signing of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era. The Uruguay U20 defender will be desperate to impress David Moyes.

6) Adnan Januzaj

The young Belgian midfielder has been at the club for the past two years and is finally getting in the mix up of the Manchester United first team. Now at 18, he has made three appearances for David Moyes’ side.

7)Sam Johnstone

The young shot-stopper is one of England’s most promising young goalkeepers and is progressing nicely in the youth teams. After spells at Oldham and Scunthorpe he ended last season at Walsall.

8) Sam Byrne

The bulky teenager impressed last season in the U21 squad and also with his country Republic of Ireland at youth level, showing his target man qualities throughout. Watch out for this chap.

9) Ben Pearson

This young midfielder has progressed through the different Old Trafford ranks since joining the club in 2004 while also gaining experience in the England set-up at U16, U17 and U19 level.

10) Larnell Cole

At 20 years of age, Cole will be hoping that he can start attracting David Moyes’ attention soon. He has made a single appearance in the League Cup since his arrival in 2011 but has been a regular in the England set up at youth level.