Manchester United have two games remaining in the Premier League this season against Crystal Palace and Brighton. But with a spot in the top four now out of reach, there is a real opportunity to let the academy show what they are made of.
United fans have been impressed by United's youth team this season, with the Under 18s reaching the FA Youth Cup final which will be played at Old Trafford on May 11 in front of a record crowd. Given how most fans have become disillusioned with the current first-team squad, they want to see youth given a chance.
This season Hannibal Mejbri and Anthony Elanga have been part of the first-team squad, while the likes of Alejandro Garnacho, Zidane Iqbal and Charlie Savage have all made their debuts. But who else could we see make their first appearance for United's first team?
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Alvaro Fernandez
The youth player that is most likely to get his debut this season, Fernandez has been on the bench for United over the past few weeks as Luke Shaw has been injured. The Spanish full-back seemed to tease fans about a potential debut after the team's 3-0 win against Brentford when he captioned an Instagram post, 'coming soon.'
Alex Telles has failed to impress during his increased game-time this season and many fans are hoping that Fernandez will offer competition for the left-back spot in the long-term under Erik ten Hag. This will hopefully start with a debut against either Brighton or Crystal Palace.
Bjorn Hardley
With the fans expecting Eric Bailly and Phil Jones to leave this summer for pastures new, a spot will be opening up to be United's fourth or fifth choice centre-back. Hardley has been training with the first-team squad for a few months now and given that the club's other options are all close to 30; a young option without the need for a transfer would be beneficial under Ten Hag.
With Harry Maguire still injured and Raphael Varane having injury problems this year, giving both players a break in what could be considered 'dead rubbers' might be the correct move. And if United do, then investing in the future of the team's defence is better than dwelling in the past.
Charlie McNeill and Joe Hugill
Though Edinson Cavani returned to the squad against Brentford, he is leaving at the end of this season on a free transfer. That could leave Cristiano Ronaldo as United's only striker going forward, and even his future is still in doubt.
The club are expecting to sign another striker in the summer window, but there will still be room for someone like McNeill or Hugill to step up and be United's third-choice striker with a view to leading the line in the long term. Both strikers have been in great form for the youth teams this season and hopefully, they will get minutes in the final two games.
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