Legends in the Making: Arsenal, Man Utd's Top 10 Young Guns and Young Gems

It might be too early to hail these players as future legends, but they are nevertheless on the right track.

Arsenal and Manchester United are two English giants consistently injecting young blood into the football world, giving them the much needed exposure to the big stage as soon as possible.

Arsenal have been doing that for the past few seasons, during which time fans have seen the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie, and Theo Walcott develop into regular starters.

On the other hand, Manchester United have the impressive Jonny Evans to boast about.

With the two due to meet in the Champions League semifinals this season, let's take a look at 10 Arsenal and Manchester United youngsters who are likely to stun the world.

Rafael da Silva

At just 18 years old, Rafael has already made 21 appearances for the Red Devils. He is a contemporary right-back who is made of more than just Brazilian flair.

Good at surging forward and a fearless tackler, Rafael is capable of tearing the opposition apart with his speed down the right flank.

Fabio da Silva

The twin brother of Rafael, the twins are hailed as the Brazilian Neville brothers. He is a left-back who is very similar to his brother technically.

His injury at the beginning of the season gave his brother a head start in the quest to cement a first team place at Manchester United.

Fabio made his debut in January 2009 against Tottenham in the FA Cup, in which he impressed but was unfortunate to pick up a calf injury.

Although that remains his only appearance for Manchester United to date, don't be surprised to see Rafael and Fabio ripping defences apart on both flanks regularly next season.

Federico Macheda

He became an instant hero after making his debut two weeks back against Aston Villa, when he scored the winning goal.

The tall 17-year-old striker came off the bench in the following game against Sunderland and found the net again, deflecting in Michael Carrick's shot.

Nicknamed Kiko, the Italian's Manchester United jersey is already one of the top sellers. This lad is also being compared to Cristiano Ronaldo and even Eric Cantona.

A good start wins you half the battle.

Danny Welbeck

Not the biggest of strikers, but the 18-year-old Manchester-born forward is strong, pacy, and clinical in front of goal.

He has had exposure to the big stage after being included on the substitutes' bench against Barcelona and Chelsea in last season's Champions League, as well as starting in the Carling Cup final against Tottenham.

Welbeck made his debut against Middlesbrough in September 2008 and has scored three goals in 11 appearances since then.

Rodrigo Possebon

An energetic box-to-box midfielder, the 20-year-old Brazilian is calm on the ball and has good control.

Possebon was an unused substitute in the Community Shield against Portsmouth earlier this season but didn't have to wait long to make his debut a week later.

Despite suffering a horrific injury against Middlesbrough in the Carling Cup, disrupting his momentum, he bounced back quickly and has made seven appearances so far this season.

Jack Wilshere

A rising talent, the 17-year-old midfielder impressed in Arsenal's preseason and caught the eyes of many, including Chelsea. Arsenal responded by tying him up to a new contract in September 2008.

Wilshere is a creative midfielder who can play on both flanks and has made eight appearances so far, scoring one goal in the process against Sheffield United.

Aaron Ramsey

Signed from Cardiff in the summer after snubbing Manchester United, the 18-year-old winger is the youngest player to ever represent Wales, at the age of 17.

The right-sided player, who is equally impressive in the centre, has played 21 times for Arsenal, scoring once.

Fran Merida

Merida is a technically gifted centre midfielder who can also play on the left. The 19-year-old Spaniard was also signed from Barcelona, so no wonder he is being hailed as the next Cesc Fabregas.

Merida's first team debut came in September 2007, coming off the bench against Newcastle in the Carling Cup. He has since made seven appearances.

Mark Randall

An English midfielder who joined Arsenal in summer 2006, Randall is creative, composed, and has good vision.

Making his debut in October 2006 against West Brom, he has represented Arsenal 10 times. The 19-year-old midfielder had a brief loan stint at Burnley last season.

He signed a contract extension earlier this campaign and is expected to be involved in Gunners' first team football on a regular basis next season.

Gavin Hoyte

The younger brother of Justin Hoyte, the 18-year-old can play anywhere across the back four, just like his older brother.

Fast and athletic, Gavin is on the brink of becoming a first team regular for Arsenal following his impressive form in the reserves.

Topping Arsenal's sprint test regularly ahead of fellow teammate Theo Walcott, Gavin Hoyte has made four full appearances for Arsenal.