No matter how bad things get at Manchester United, the success of their youth academy will always provide a crumb of comfort and hope of a bright future ahead. While the first-team have failed miserably this campaign, there has been more success at youth level, most notably with the U18s journey to the FA Youth Cup final, which will culminate with a showpiece event against Nottingham Forest in less than two weeks' time.
United have not reached the final of the prestigious youth competition for 11 years. The last time they did, a starlet-studded side including Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard triumphed in a victory over Harry Maguire's Sheffield United side. In a decade's time, United's first-team might well include some of those who have reached the FA Youth Cup final this season. Only time will tell if these latest hopefuls will ever be able to match the heroics of the Class of 2011.
However, success at youth level does not guarantee stardom at senior level, and this summer, United might well look to bolster their side with a couple of youngsters who are already well accustomed to the pressures of regular first-team football.
A key reason why United have appointed Erik ten Hag as their next manager is because of his proven track record of nurturing youth talent and giving opportunities to players regardless of their age, a belief in academy talent well aligned with the core principles of the club.
This summer, Ten Hag is expected to bolster his first-team squad by giving James Garner a chance when he returns from loan at Nottingham Forest, though he is not the only young midfielder with a chance of impressing the new manager.
United already needed a new midfielder before Nemanja Matic announced he'd be joining Paul Pogba in leaving for free this summer, and it could even be argued three new faces are needed in order to replace those who are leaving.
Signing a new central midfielder is the priority for Ten Hag's first summer in charge, but with a limited transfer budget and other areas of the pitch to strengthen, it could be returning players who are like new signings to help solve the squad dilemma.
Garner and Donny van de Beek are both obvious options for the Dutchman to consider, but Dundee United loanee Dylan Levitt might well be the wildcard option to occupy a squad role next season.
The 21-year-old came through the youth ranks alongside Garner and was just as highly regarded by those who watched the pair on a regular basis.
He is already a regular member of the Wales squad and will likely be part of their side for the vital World Cup play-off next month, where he could face Scotland, the nation where his playing career has really taken off.
The young midfielder was somewhat written off after a poor loan spell with Charlton last season before the odd move to Croatian side NK Istra where he once again went under the radar.
However, he was given another chance under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last pre-season and once again impressed United coaches. The key for Levitt was to try and find his feet away from the Old Trafford bubble, and this season he has finally done that in the Scottish Premiership.
Levitt has been one of the stars of the season for Dundee United as they close in on a fourth-place finish in the league and a shot at European football next season.
The North Walian has been an integral part of that surge up the table too, netting five goals across all competitions this season, his latest a vital winner against Motherwell at the weekend. A week earlier, he netted a superb solo goal to give his side an early lead against Hearts, further endearing himself to the passionate supporters who chant that he is the best on earth.
This season, Levitt has shared his playing time between a central midfield and a defensive midfield role. This is quite clearly an area of interest to United as Ten Hag looks to strengthen the spine of the squad in his first few months, and it will be well worth another look at during the off-season.
There is already interest from Dundee United in keeping their Welsh wizard for another season, and although such a loan extension must be considered, doing so should only be done after Ten Hag has had a good chance to look at him himself.
