Manchester United Youth Team Players Set for Big Careers

The current crop of Manchester United youngsters may not be the most talented in the club's history, but it is not without its jewels.

Several players in the Red Devils' youth team have the potential to become genuine stars.

The potential tag is a tricky one—many have come and gone without success at Old Trafford.

But here are six prodigies with big careers ahead of them.

Mats Daehli

Age: 18

Position: Midfielder

Mats Daehli was poached at a young age from Norwegian club Lyn.

Though he is yet at a physical level to compete at the highest level in Britain, the midfielder has immense potential.

Technically brilliant, Daehli has terrific balance and swift, accurate passing. He could eventually develop into a type of trequartista for the Red Devils.

He has featured several times for United's reserve team.

James Wilson

Age: 17

Position: Striker

Manchester United are well-stocked in talented young strikers, but James Wilson is one to keep an eye on.

He's been scoring goals for the U18 side since he was 15 and once bagged five in a 7-1 win over Newcastle United's youngsters.

An excellent physical specimen, Wilson is a versatile threat who can also operate in midfield.

He is a born goalscorer, and I would liken him to one Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in terms of his deadliness in the box.

Jack Barmby

Age: 18

Position: Striker

Jack Barmby is best known to football fans for his last name—he is the son of former England international Nick Barmby.

But Jack has the potential to eclipse his father's career.

A threat in and around the penalty area, Barmby can be a real whizzkid with the ball at his feet.

He is also making his way up the ranks for England, and has been tipped as a future star for both club and country.

Adnan Januzaj

Age: 18

Position: Midfielder

The hype currently surrounding 18-year-old Adnan Januzaj is quickly reaching epic proportions.

He was given a squad number at the end of the previous season, and found himself on the United bench for the final match, though he didn't make his first-team debut.

Januzaj is a phenomenally talented player. His ball control and distribution, ability to turn on a dime and vision set him apart from his peers.

The Belgian could feature next season on the wings for the Red Devils, but will eventually develop into a central threat in attacking midfield.

Charni Ekangamene

Age: 19

Position: Midfielder

Another Belgian, Charni Ekangamene is a promising player whose energy in the defensive midfield role reminds one a little of Anderson.

The 19-year-old joined United in 2010, but his progress has been most pronounced over the past 12 months.

A rugged, physical player, Ekangamene marauds in front of the back line offering a mafioso-like protection.

Technically he still has a way to improve, but all the potential is there.

Ben Pearson

Age: 18

Position: Midfielder

Ben Pearson has been on United's books from a very young age (he joined the Red Devils in 2004).

A combustible player, Pearson is a central midfielder who loves getting involved in both attacking and defensive situations.

He is at his best spraying the ball across the middle of the park, similar to the Paul Scholes mould.

Pearson has even captained England at youth level.

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