Manchester United: 6 Youngsters to Watch

Manchester United has a rich history of developing world-class players players in their youth academy. The current crop of youngsters has the talent necessary to achieve greatness at Old Trafford.

From Sir Bobby Charlton and George Best to Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, some the game's most extraordinary legends have come through the ranks at United.

The next big star could already be coming through United's youth setup. Although many supporters were disheartened by the departure of Ravel Morrison, arguably the best young talent at United since Paul Scholes, there remains plenty of reason for excitement in the Reserves.

Last season, United won the FA Youth Cup with a squad comprised of the most promising young footballers in England. Many of these players are now showcasing their talent in the Reserves with United currently atop the Barclays Premier Reserve League North table. Some of the FA Youth Cup stars have even been involved with the first team this season.

Despite their success last season and increasing involvement in the current campaign, it is important to have patience with these young players. These are not the stars of next season, far from it. It may be three or four years before we even see them regularly involved in the first team, if they make it at all.

It is important to remember that Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck both spent multiple seasons on loan before becoming fully involved with the first team at the ages of 22 and 20, respectively. Most of these players are still only 18 and 19 years old, and it takes time to prepare them for the rigors of the Premier League.

However, Cleverley and Welbeck are also recent examples that talented young players will get chances in the first team to prove themselves. The current youngsters should look to them as inspiration, while fans should remember that sometimes the answer comes from within the club.

United supporters would be wise to watch out for these six talented young individuals, all of whom have an excellent opportunity to make the grade at Old Trafford.

Paul Pogba

Paul Pogba is the youngster that has Manchester United supporters talking with great enthusiasm, and rightly so.

Pogba made his first team debut against Leeds United in September and since made three additional senior appearances, including his Premier League debut against Stoke City in January.

There were some concerns in his first three performances. He appeared to be slightly out of his depth during those initial opportunities, but Pogba impressed during his cameo against Stoke at Old Trafford. He was constantly getting involved in build up play, looking to create chances and even nearly scored.

His introduction to the game injected energy into the tiring squad. For a young player to have such an effect on those around him is an excellent indication of what he can contribute at United. He was eager to prove himself, helping to push the team and show why he has been the cause of such excitement.

The 18-year-old French midfielder is undoubtedly an impressive talent. He has a terrific technical ability and looks very comfortable with the ball at his feet. Pogba also happens to have an excellent long-range shot. He has scored more than a few stunning goals from midfield in both the Academy and Reserves.

Pogba also has an incredibly imposing physique. He is a big, strong player equipped for the grueling physical style of English play.

He demonstrates an excellent attitude for a young player. Many become impatient for first team experience, but Pogba spoke recently of his appreciation for being on the bench to watch and learn from the first team.

There is still plenty of room for improvement in Pogba's game, however. His passing leaves plenty to be desired, while his positioning and defensive attributes are sometimes suspect. These aspects of his game are improving, and he should develop the complete midfield package with further experience.

The past few weeks Pogba was included on the bench for many fixtures, which is a sign that Sir Alex Ferguson is ready for him to be more involved at the senior level.

Pogba often seems to be too good to be wasting his time in the Reserves and more involvement in the first team is surely in his near future. If supporters are looking for the next big star to come out of United's academy, then Pogba is the one at whom to look.

Zeki Fryers

Zeki Fryers is one of the promising young talents to have already made a first team debut for Manchester United this season. It seems his involvement at the senior level is only just beginning.

Since making his debut against Leeds United in the Carling Cup, Fryers has gone on to make both his Premier League and Champions League debuts for the club. This season he has already made six appearances along with making the bench for many more fixtures, suggesting Sir Alex Ferguson has big plans for the 19-year-old defender.

Capable of playing as both a center-back and left-back, Fryers already has the physical presence needed for a defender in the English game.

In his appearances for the first team this season, he slotted into the back four seamlessly. He did nothing outstanding, nor did he make any terrible mistakes. Fryers simply went about doing his job and did it well. He was composed on the ball and offered support going forward with a good left foot.

Fryers only had limited opportunities last season due to injury, but he did play a part in United's success in the FA Youth Cup. After making a full recovery, Fryers quickly demonstrated this season why he deserved to make the step up.

Although it is hard to pass judgment after just six appearances, he has performed admirably thus far. Playing alongside the experienced defenders in the United squad can only continue to benefit his development.

With Nemanja Vidic out for the remainder of the season, there should be more opportunities for Fryers to make his mark on the first team. If he continues to put in the same standard of performances and improve, he has a great chance to make a career at Old Trafford.

Ryan Tunnicliffe

Ryan Tunnicliffe is not the most technically gifted young midfielder at Manchester United, but he definitely has what it takes to have a career at Old Trafford.

Although he does not have the natural ability that some of his peers possess, Tunnicliffe masks his shortcomings with a superb worth ethic and undying determination. He is not a flashy player, but he is an effective player.

Every squad needs a player who is willing to get stuck in and do the dirty work. Tunnicliffe is that type of player. He is a tireless box-to-box midfielder, chasing down opposing players to win back possession. Tackling is certainly his greatest strength, often going in hard to nullify an attack.

Over the past few seasons, Tunnicliffe has developed into a more complete midfielder. His passing has definitely improved. Along with providing a defensive presence in midfield, he also contributes an excellent threat going forward to create goal-scoring opportunities.

Last season he played alongside Paul Pogba and Ravel Morrison as United won the FA Youth Cup. His hard work allowed his more creative teammates the freedom to get forward and attack. The first team could use a player like this, with the grit to do the hard work, cleaning up in midfield and allowing young attacking players like Tom Cleverley more liberty to press forward.

His hard work in midfield did not go unnoticed, as Tunnicliffe was presented with the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award at the end of last season.

Tunnicliffe was spent this season on loan to Peterborough United to gain first team experience. He has already made 28 appearances for Peterborough, and, although the majority have been as a substitute, it speaks volumes of a player's ability to be so involved with a Championship club at only 19.

The first team is currently missing a player that can play in the role that Tunnicliffe offers to a team. After gaining valuable experience in the Championship this season he may soon figure into the squad at Old Trafford.

Larnell Cole

Larnell Cole does not get the same attention as some of his FA Youth Cup teammates, but he certainly has all the potential to be a Manchester United player.

Although he is physically quite small, Cole is the perfect example of how big things can come in small packages. He possess all the technical ability you want in a midfielder: a brilliant touch, excellent passing, an eye for goal and a positional awareness uncommon for a player of his age.

Cole is an extremely versatile player who can offer an option at any position in the midfielder. He showed last season the he has a bit of flair to his game and a positive mentality to work tirelessly for the team. Those who have seen Cole play know he has the capability to create chances aplenty. There is good reason he has started to attract attention.

United fans will be pleased to know that Cole has already had success against the club's major rivals, having scored a hat trick against Manchester City at the Academy level last season. He then went on to be an integral part of the squad that won the 2010/11 FA Youth Cup.

Following the FA Youth Cup success, Cole was handed his first team debut in September against Leeds United in the Carling Cup. Only a brief cameo, Cole had little time to impress on that occasion, but has continued to showcase his talent with the Reserves.

The criticism is, of course, that Cole lacks the physical stature to make it in the Premier League. United fans should be quick to remember that the same concerns were raised over Paul Scholes back in the 1990s. He turned out alright, didn't he?

His talent compensates for his size, and at only 18, Cole has plenty of time to develop into a stronger and more physical player. Not only that, he works incredibly hard to make up for the fact he isn't as big as most of his opposition.

Danny Welbeck recently paid Cole and his midfielder partner Jesse Lingard the ultimate respect by comparing the duo to Barcelona's famous Xavi and Iniesta. It is far too early get carried away with such praise, but there is also reason to get excited about such talent.

It remains to be seen what lies next for Cole after making his first team debut. If he continues to show the same promise he has over the past two seasons then he is definitely one to keep an eye on for the future.

Jesse Lingard

Jesse Lingard, like Larnell Cole, is a small player capable of doing big things at Manchester United.

Midfielders seem to be the club's specialty when producing talented young players, and Lingard is another example of that. He has been deployed both on the wings and in a central attacking role, and such versatility is a valued trait in the current United squad.

It is concerning that Lingard is so small in stature, but he is excellent in his technical ability. He has a lovely touch and is very comfortable with the ball at his feet. Lindgard proved himself to be a smooth operator, capable of running at defenders, creating opportunities with his passing and even contributing goals from midfield.

Another member of the squad that won the FA Youth Cup last season, Lingard is surprisingly one of the promising youngsters to not make his first team debut yet this season. The player has continued to impress for the Reserves in 2011-12, and an opportunity at the senior level must be in the not so distant future.

Lingard is beginning to show signs of maturing physically as well, while the mental aspects of his game are already very good for a 19-year-old. He is calm in possession and demonstrates excellent decision making, both crucial attributes for a midfielder.

Like his teammate Larnell Cole, Danny Welbeck recently gave immense praise to Lingard, comparing him to Barcelona's midfield maestros Xavi and Iniesta.

It must be difficult for a young player to watch all his teammates make their first team debuts while he is forced to wait. But Lingard has show great patience and he has the talent necessary to make an impact at Old Trafford.

Will Keane

Will Keane may well be following in the footsteps of Danny Welbeck to become the next striker to rise through the ranks at Manchester United.

Keane is yet another player from last season's triumphant FA Youth Cup squad to be handed a first team debut in 2011-12. Against Blackburn Rovers on New Years Eve, Keane made a late substitute appearance as United tried to score a late equalizer in a 3-2 loss at Old Trafford.

Aside from his one senior appearance, Keane has showcased his attacking prowess in the Reserves this season, proving to be a quality center-forward. The England youth international possesses a good touch and is an excellent finisher, along with providing an option in link-up play.

In 2009/10, Keane was awarded the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award after showing impressive goal-scoring form in the Academy. He built off that impressive campaign and led the Academy in scoring for the 2010-11 campaign, establishing himself as one of United's most promising young talents.

Keane netted a hat trick against Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup last season on their way to lifting the trophy. He has continued to prove his ability as a goalscorer this season, and a loan in the near future would be very beneficial for his development given all the attacking talent currently at United.

Much like a young Welbeck, Keane still needs to develop a bit physically before he can truly hope to establish himself at United. Strikers need to battle against big imposing center-backs in the Premier League, and Keane still needs to show that he can win the physical match up as a forward.

Keane was in among the away supporters with his twin brother Michael during United's 3-2 FA Cup victory over Manchester City in January. If he continues to show such promise then in a few years he might just be out on the pitch for the big games rather than in the stands.