Ryan Giggs has apparently been given his first role as Manchester United assistant – to ensure the first team at Old Trafford is populated with a strong number of home-grown players. While in charge of the club, Giggs gave Tom Lawrence and James Wilson their debuts and will be used to develop some of the club’s other young talents. Here are three young players that we could see in the first team next season.
1) Jesse Lingard
The young forward spent last season on loan at Birmingham and Brighton and made a strong impression in the Championship, scoring nine goals in his 28 appearances.
He can play on the left or up front, but spent most of his time at the Amex behind the striker.
2) Reece James
The full-back could have a big season ahead of him with Alex Buttner struggling to impress and the right-back berth looking empty. James is still only 20 and has proved to be a promising young player with a knack of being in the right place at the right time.
3) Nick Powell
After a spell with Wigan in the Championship, Powell will be trying desperately to prove himself to van Gaal this summer. The 20-year-old midfielder played 32 games for the Latics last season and scored seven goals, including a stunner in the Europa League against Rubin Kazan.