After yet another underwhelming season for Manchester United, another rebuild is set to take place upon Erik ten Hag’s arrival ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

It’s a process United fans have seen all too often over the last decade. New manager comes in, signs a bunch of players, get’s the boot and the cycle repeats. However, things have come to a boil under Ralf Rangnick, who has pulled no punches since taking over on interim basis halfway through the 2021/22 season.

For the first time in a while, the entire United squad feels under threat, with very few players standing out as a guaranteed starter for when Ten Hag takes over in the summer. Fans are desperate for a truly fresh start this time, with first team players out of the door and the Dutchman backed efficiently, with the help of Rangnick and others.

With several players out of contract and Ten Hag set to stamp his authority on the squad early on, he could turn to United’s vast youth ranks to refresh the team, blending them in around senior players as he has done so successfully at Ajax.

STRETFORD REDS has rounded up 12 of the Red Devils’ young guns who could realistically stake their claim and become involved in Ten Hag’s first-team plans.

• ALEJANDRO GARNACHO


Heading to Manchester in 2020 from Atletico Madrid, 2022 has been a year to remember for young Garnacho. At 17 years old, the exciting attacking midfielder has become a regular in the under-23s, been called up to the Argentina senior squad and trained with Lionel Messi, and has made his full United debut in a 1-1 draw against Chelsea. Productive in attack and held in high regard by coaches, the teenager could catch the eye of the Dutchman should he need a new creative outlet.

• BRANDON WILLIAMS

Okay, so Williams isn’t exactly a hot prospect anymore considering he’s already been involved as a first-team regular at United, but that doesn’t mean he’s out of the picture. Written off by many as an outcast from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign, the 21-year-old’s loan to Norwich has proven that he is Premier League calibre. And with United seriously lacking commitment or quality at full back, he will return to the squad as a much improved player after his loan. Capable of playing on both flanks, don’t be surprised if Williams gets a second coming under Ten Hag.

• HANNIBAL MEJBRI

Hannibal made his United debut back in May 2021, but has since been given the time to earn his stripes at under-23 level while becoming accustomed to first-team training in between. The Tunisia international has become more regularly involved with the first team in the 2021/22 campaign, however, and showed a different side to his silky skills and creativity with a fiery cameo in defeat against Liverpool. A loan feels like the natural next step for someone needing first-team action, but if Ten Hag feels he can make use of the versatile midfielder, there’s no reason why that initial first step can’t come with United.

• SHOLA SHORETIRE

Another one who was given their debut under Solskjaer, the talent Shoretire possesses is undeniable. Becoming the youngest player to play for United in Europe is no vanity prize. In a similar spot to Hannibal, 18-year-old Shoretire needs to find first-team minutes. Pre-season is the perfect opportunity to show the new boss what he’s got as a versatile attacking asset, where minutes will most definitely be available across the front three.

• JAMES GARNER

Let’s all just chill out for one second about Garner. Yes, he’s impressed massively at Nottingham Forest, but he can’t single-handedly fix United’s never-ending midfield issues. He has absolutely earned a shot, however, and given the mess that United’s midfield is in, Garner has a golden opportunity to nail a regular spot in the first-team under Ten Hag. That range of passing and technical ability cannot go unnoticed, and a season-long spell in the Championship will have made him a much more mature option.

• ALVARO FERNANDEZ

With Williams likely to get a look-in once more due to United’s full backs being under heavy scrutiny, there’s every chance that Fernandez can break through, too. Seriously, that department needs a hard reset. The Spaniard has impressed in the FA Youth Cup and needs to experience a taste of first-team action, in order to assess how to best develop him. Pre-season could be a big opportunity.

• CHARLIE SAVAGE

The first of two young Welsh midfielders in this list, Savage continues to fly under the radar in and among United’s talented creative talents. Making his debut in the Champions League in late 2021, the teenager is liked around the club and impresses at under-18 and under-23 level. A loan is probably next on the cards, but considering the midfield scenario, Ten Hag could absolutely find room in cup ties for someone like Savage on the odd occasion.

• ZIDANE IQBAL

For all of the Red Devils’ current midfield woes, they have a serious roster of young midfield talents with a lot of potential. Granted not everyone is destined to make it at United, Iqbal is already a full international with Iraq and the first British-South Asian to play for the club. Able to play box-to-box, Iqbal could suit a high energy style under Ten Hag and might be viewed as someone more ready for the chance as a full international. The next step is vital for the 19-year-old.

• ETHAN LAIRD

Ten Hag might look towards coaching Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot into more useful assets for his squad. Failing that, though, Ethan Laird has been highly regarded by fans for some time and understandably so. Coming back from a loan at Premier League promotion hopefuls Bournemouth after spending the first half of the season with Swansea, 20-year-old Laird needs to be knocking on the door. Ten Hag trusts young players and if he fancies a new, younger right back with a higher ceiling, Laird will almost certainly be the man he gives the opportunity to.

• DYLAN LEVITT

A somewhat forgotten man, there was once immense hype around the potential of a Garner and Levitt breakthrough. Injuries and loan spells haven’t quite gone his way, but the Welshman has found regularity in Scotland and rediscovered the form he showed at academy level. A full Wales international, he passes the ball incredibly well, has an eye for goal and has developed physically. If his contract is renewed, he could be a handy player to have around for Ten Hag.

• TEDEN MENGI

United haven’t been shy when it comes to splashing the cash on central defenders, but don’t really have much to show for it. Moving on Harry Maguire having paid such a big price and giving him a mammoth contract feels unlikely, and the available transfer funds could be used elsewhere. Loans haven’t worked for Mengi, but impressed throughout United’s youth ranks and clearly has talent. If Ten Hag wants to restructure at the back, the composed teenager could thrive.

• CHARLIE MCNEILL

At just 18, McNeill likely lacks a lot of physical fundamentals to force his way into United’s first-team for now. However, you cannot ignore his obscene scoring record at youth level. The guy is a machine. McNeill is brimming with confidence and his eye for goal is impressive. Ten Hag desperately needs to refresh United’s ageing roster of strikers, thus throwing in McNeill could be an option during his first season in the dugout.