We Profile The FIVE Teenagers Who Made United’s Bench Last Night
Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick used the Champions League dead-rubber against Young Boys to blood a few youngsters.
Five teenagers made the bench for the match, with the likes of Anthony Elanga and Amad Diallo also starting at Old Trafford.
While more is known about Elanga and Diallo, United supporters may not be as aware about some of the youngsters who came on as substitutes yesterday evening.
Press the next page as we profile the five starlets who Rangnick plucked from the youth ranks.
Teden Mengi
The 19-year-old is of Angolan descent but he was born in Manchester and has come right through the age groups at the youth academy, making his senior debut against LASK in August last year.
Since then, Mengi has been set out on loan to Derby County, where he played nine times in the second half of last season for Wayne Rooney’s side. He is a centre-back by trade who possesses a lot of pace.
Bjorn Hardley
The Dutchman was signed from NAC Breda in the summer of 2019 but his settling-in period was hampered by the global health crisis, making only ten appearances for the Under 18s in his first season.
Hardley’s development accelerated during the 2020/21 campaign, captaining the U18s on occasions, before the centre-half was promoted to the Under 23s. He has been a regular starter in Premier League 2 and has impressed in the EFL Trophy, leading to Rangnick selecting him on the bench yesterday.
Charlie Savage
Like his father Robbie, the 18-year-old is a holding midfield player, having progressed through the ranks at Carrington. He was moved up to the Under 23s this season and he has impressed.
Savage grabbed himself two assists in the 4-0 win over Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League 2 fixture last Sunday, and that likely grabbed Rangnick’s attention, who gave him his senior debut last night.
Zidane Iqbal
The Iraqi was born in Manchester and he has been impressing coaches after scoring goals in Premier League 2, the UEFA Youth League and the EFL Trophy this campaign.
Iqbal is usually deployed in the centre of midfield, but he can also be used in a front three due to his threat in front of goal. The 18-year-old’s debut against Young Boys made him the first British South Asian to play for the club.
Shola Shoretire
The winger got 25 minutes on the pitch last night, with Rangnick handing him his fourth senior appearance for United. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer gave the 17-year-old his debut against Newcastle back in February.
Ironically, Shoretire was born on Tyneside and came through the Magpies’ youth academy before a switch to Manchester City. After just six months with the Citizens, he moved to Carrington where he has excelled at Under 18 and Under 23 levels.
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