Which Man United youth players could benefit from a lack of January action?
Ed Woodward today revealed that Manchester United are unlikely to make any signings in January, despite the evident holes in Louis van Gaal’s squad.
The Dutch manager has shown he isn’t afraid to look to the club’s youth system for solutions, and that policy looks set to continue, as injuries mount up.
Here are the five players that could benefit most if United don’t sign in January.
SEE MORE:
All Time Premier League Table
Wayne Rooney Went To Anfield… To Support Arsenal
Italy Coach Slams Mario Balotelli
5) Ben Pearson
The central midfielder has just been pushed closer to a first team start after news of a knee injury to Daley Blind.
The 19-year-old is a tough tackling presence in the middle of the park, but has plenty of passing ability too. Blind’s absence is the perfect opportunity for the youngster to prove himself.
4) Andreas Pereira
United picked up the Brazilian/Belgian youth international up from the PSV Eindhoven academy in 2012, and so far he’s lived up to the high expectations surrounding him, playing as a playmaker for Nicky Butt’s under 19s.
Has plenty of players ahead of him in the queue for places, but with injuries plaguing United, this could be his season to break through.
3) Reece James
Left-back James came to the attention of the world when he scored twice in van Gaal’s first match at United – a 7-0 thrashing of LA Galaxy.
United lack depth at left-back, and if Luke Shaw gets injured or needs a rest, the 63-year-old is more than aware of James’ attacking abilities.
2) Paddy McNair
McNair has already been given chances this season and has seized them with both hands. He made his debut in a tough game against West Ham United, where he helped his side cling on despite a late flurry, and did an equally job in a makeshift defence against Manchester City.
Defensive injuries mean that the young Northern Irishman will get more starts, and if he continues to play as well as he has, he will be knocking on the door of the first team before long.
1) James Wilson
Wilson is a natural goalscorer, and despite United’s depth up front, van Gaal clearly likes what he sees in the 18-year-old.
The youngster scored twice in his debut for United at the tail end of last season, and has looked bright in his cameos. It won’t be long before he gets his first start, and soon Wayne Rooney may be looking over his shoulder.