Manchester United Academy Players In The First Team

The Manchester United academy has been lauded in the past for the stellar footballers it has produced over the years. In the Premier League era, the likes of David Beckham, Gary Neville and Marcus Rashford have all been graduates of the academy.

While United are often criticised for their tendency to lean on big money signings, it’s important to remember just how good United’s youth system is even though it’s taken a lot of criticism in recent times.

Here’s a look at five former Manchester United academy players who are currently in the Red Devils’ senior ranks.

Anthony Elanga

Swedish trickster Anthony Elanga didn’t spend all of his youth career at United – he was also at Elfsborg, Malmo and Hattersley as a youngster. He joined United in 2014, where he has been ever since.

He’s also gained a few senior caps for Sweden. In total, Elanga has nine Sweden caps, in which he has scored a single goal.

An explosive winger who always has a trick up his sleeve and he really got his chance when Ralf Rangnick took over from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Elanga is still somewhat raw, especially at Premier League level.

Despite this, he is showing plenty of potential – it can be easy to forget that he’s just 20 years old.

Axel Tuanzebe

You have to feel for Axel Tuanzebe. Loan spells and unfortunate injuries have prevented him from having what could’ve been a glittering Manchester United career.

He’s far from a bad player – he was well received at Aston Villa when they were battling for promotion in the Championship. A quick, alert defender with good technical ability, he fits the mould for what a modern centre half should be.

His United contract is set to expire at the end of June. Given his injury record (he has yet to make an appearance in any capacity this season), it’s likely that he could end up elsewhere for next season.

Alejandro Garnacho

Alejandro Garnacho has burst onto the Premier League scene for United this season. While he made his United debut last season, this campaign is where he’s really been allowed to shine.

The Argentinian has played in nine league games this season, scoring one goal and setting up a further two. A creative wide man with brilliant ball control, the 18-year-old already looks the part.

In addition to United’s academy, he also spent time at Getafe and Atletico Madrid in his younger years. He signed for the Red Devils in 2020, when he was just 16.

Scott McTominay

The most senior player on the list, Scott McTominay may not the most talented member of United’s squad, but his determination and energy levels cannot be understated. He’s underrated in many ways – while not the most creative of midfielders, he is a lively figure in the middle of the park.

He does have an understated ability for carrying the ball forward. Statiscally, most of his passes tend to go backwards or sideways – when dribbling up the pitch with the ball, his strong frame makes it tough to regain possession from him.

Now aged 26, McTominay has made 135 league appearances for Manchester United, scoring 11 goals. He’s solid, if unspectacular – he draws comparison to industrious United midfielders of old, such as Nicky Butt and Darren Fletcher.

Marcus Rashford

Perhaps the greatest United academy product since the class of ’92, Marcus Rashford is rapidly developing into one of the Premier League’s best attacking players.

Initially trained as a striker, Rashford has developed into the player we all know today who plays on either wing but he seems to prefer the left hand side allowing him to cut inside and shoot with his right foot. Playing wide also gives him ample opportunities to showcase his excellent dribbling ability and awesome pace.

He made his United debut all the way back in 2016, where he scored a brace against Arsenal. He looked like a big deal as soon as he was given a chance in the first team by ex manager Louis van Gaal – and he still does.