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Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United revolution is in full swing with the Dutch coach already having given his side a serious makeover.
New arrivals Antony, Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, Tyrell Malacia and Lisandro Martinez have all made an instant impact at Old Trafford since arriving in the summer — but Ten Hag also has an eye for young talent.
Ahead of the Red Devils’ return to Premier League action on Boxing Day, we take a look at four whizkids hoping to make an impact in the months and years ahead.
Alejandro Garnacho
Spanish-born starlet Alejandro Garnacho looks poised to be the next young gun to cement a starring role at Old Trafford.
The 21-year-old, who has opted to represent Argentina at youth level through his mother, has made eight senior appearances already this term — even bagging a late winner against Fulham with his first Premier League goal last month.
He only joined the Red Devils from Atletico Madrid in 2020 for a modest £420,000 fee but possesses terrifying pace and fantastic dribbling ability, which has caught Ten Hag’s eye.
After Garnacho starred against Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup last month, the Dutch coach was full of praise but warned the winger that his attitude must improve if he is to reach the top.
Ten Hag said: “It depends on his approach, his attitude. When he keeps working then yes, it is possible for him to play more.
“He wants to improve every day. He has to do the right things in his lifestyle because has the capability.”
Shola Shoretire
Players past and present have flirted with both Manchester clubs during their youth — and Shola Shoretire could be the latest star to leave Manchester City with a huge sense of regret.
Shoretire signed his first professional deal at Old Trafford in February 2021 but was actually in the Citizens’ ranks as a child before they released him as a 10-year-old after he trained with Barcelona against their will.
Now, the 18-year-old is considered one of their rivals’ brightest prospects, with Ten Hag even stepping in to block Championship loans this summer so that he could oversee the teenager’s development first-hand.
A versatile forward who is comfortable on either wing or centrally, Newcastle-born Shoretire has netted four goals in his last five Premier League 2 outings.
Given he was called up to the first-team squad for November’s league meeting with Aston Villa, opportunities in the senior side do not appear far away.
Zidane Iqbal
Fittingly-named creative midfielder Zidane Iqbal is another starlet on the cusp of breaking through into the Red Devils’ senior setup.
Iqbal, 19, is Manchester born and bred but represents Iraq at international level and became the first British South Asian to play in the Champions League last term when making a late cameo against Young Boys.
He impressed Ten Hag in pre-season but has yet to feature for the first team this year, restricted to Football League Trophy appearances against Carlisle, Barrow and Bolton.
Iqbal has however been on the bench for all six of United’s Europa League group stage games and has admitted he would be open-minded to a loan move in January if it helped his development.
Asked about players he bases his game around, he rather controversially namechecked Thiago Alcantara — a star of one of United’s bitter rivals.
Iqbal explained: “I know he’s playing for Liverpool but you can still respect another person and how they play. He’s beautiful to watch.”
Hannibal Mejbri
Already gaining precious first-team experience out on loan at Championship outfit Birmingham, midfielder Hannibal Mejbri looks to have a bright future.
Despite being only 19, the youngster has nailed down a starting spot for the Blues with 17 league appearances so far this term, also notching three assists.
Mejbri already has 20 senior caps for Tunisia and was given a cameo in their 0-0 draw with Denmark at the World Cup, where he came up against United team-mate Christian Eriksen.
There has been some talk of a potential January recall but Mejbri poured cold water on such comments, saying he wants to help his loan club achieve something special before leaving.
Mejbri said: “I’m glad to be back. For the rest of the season I want to go to the top six for the play-offs and I think that’s the objective of all the clubs and all the fans.”
Should he help them achieve that feat, it will be tough for Ten Hag to avoid giving him a chance to strut his stuff at Old Trafford next season.
