Erik ten Hag has not yet finalised numbers who will travel on Manchester United's pre-season tour despite the squad leaving for Asia on Friday.
But club insiders have reported that the new boss wants to give as many players as possible a shot at getting themselves into the first team picture prior to the season. The new United boss has given first teamers, loanees, academy prospects and U18 talents a chance to shine at Carrington this week and whatever previous manager’s thought of them everyone has started with a clean slate.
He will learn more when they face Liverpool, Melbourne Victory, Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid in their pre season. But of all those putting in hard yards the following five are understood by Mirror Sport to be given the chance to lay down a first-team marker in Bangkok and Australia.
Facundo Pellistri
The Uruguay international has spent 18 months out on loan at Alaves in La Liga where he has made 11 starts and figures 22 times off the bench. But Ten Hag has been impressed with what he has seen in training from the right sided attacker. His United career has not quite taken off in the style many hoped but at just 20 there are hopes that this season could see a step change in fortunes.
Alejandro Garnacho
Made it to the fringes of the first team under Ralf Rangnick and there are high hopes at United that this season could see the 18-year-old apply some heat to first teamers like Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford. Scored 16 goals in 31 appearances for the FA Youth Cup winning U18s last season including in the final and has been called up to the Argentina senior squad.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Should Ten Hag give youth a chance at United? Let us know in the comments section
Hannibal Mejbri
France born Tunisian midfielder, 19, has made a couple of last minute appearances as substitute but played an hour against Crystal Palace in the 1-0 defeat at the end of last season. Needs to channel his natural aggression in more constructive areas but is expected to be given a chance to shine by the new boss in Australia.
Ethan Laird
Similar to Garnacho, Laird, 20, is expected to load performance pressure on Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot in the right back position. Had half seasons on loan at Swansea and then Bournemouth last season and impressed particularly at the latter where he made six appearances in their promotion push. Suits wing-back role if needed.
James Garner
Loan spells with Watford and, last season, with Nottingham Forest playing a major role in their promotion push, Garner has impressed in the close season and could well be part of the first team set up next season. Ten Hag likes his midfield to have a good passing range and Garner ticks boxes on that score. Has been keen to talk Garner about what he wants from a defensive midfielder and he sees the United academy product as having the qualities to step up.
