4 Manchester United Youngsters Who Could See First-Team Action in 2015/16 Season

The 2014/15 season was a big one for Manchester United young players making their senior debuts. From surprises like Paddy McNair to expected progression for Andreas Pereira, Louis van Gaal has looked to United's academy for cover when fitness has been an issue for the first-team squad. 

But which of United's youngsters could make the step up next time around? 

Some of the following four have already made their debuts but will be hoping for a more extended run. Some have not yet seen first-team action and will be hoping that their number comes up next season. Let's take a look at four very different players who might feature for Van Gaal in 2015/16.

James Wilson

Clive Mason/Getty Images

James Wilson spent much of the season just gone with the first-team squad but rarely featured during the second half of the campaign. Instead, he went back into the reserves and scored goals, because, at that level, that is what he does. 

United's issues up-front have been well-documented. It will be intriguing to see if Van Gaal backs Wilson rather than bringing in an established star to complement his strike force. 

There is a specific obstacle facing Wilson's passage to regular first-team football, though, and that is: How does he fit into a possession-focused team? Wilson is a perfect front-man for a team that plays on the counter-attack because of his superb pace when running both with and without the ball. 

Learning to lead the line for a team that spends a lot of time on the ball will require him to develop a new approach to his game. Breaking down defences that sit too deep for him to get in behind will be a fresh challenge for Wilson. How he navigates that challenge could have a big impact on his future with the Red Devils.

Andreas Pereira

Hannah Peters/Getty Images

Andreas Pereira had an impressive tournament, as Brazil reached the final of the Under-20s World Cup. Often used as a substitute, he made a big impression, coming on and scoring for his side in the final, for example. 

He has recently signed a new United contract, so presumably Van Gaal sees him as part of his plans for the next couple of years. Able to play in attacking midfield either centrally or on either flank, Pereira has flexibility that is probably the asset which most enhances his chance of a first-team run.

United are well-stocked with senior players in his position, but if the Brazilian can continue his fine summer form in pre-season, Van Gaal may gamble on the youngster.

Ben Pearson

Clint Hughes/Getty Images

In March, per Doug O'Kane of the Barnsley Chronicle, Barnsley head coach Lee Johnson said, "At the moment he [Ben Pearson] is one of the first names on the teamsheet."

It was a positive loan spell for Pearson. Next season may come a little soon for regular first-team football at United, but this could be the year in which he gets his first taste. A combative midfielder, Pearson would have to take on the box-to-box duty in Van Gaal's midfield-three.

He is more likely to feature in a League Cup game than a Premier League game, but Van Gaal has surprised those who follow United's youth sides before. It will be interesting to see whether he takes part in United's pre-season tour, as that could be something of a marker as to whether Van Gaal sees potential in him.

Timothy Fosu-Mensah

Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images

Timothy Fosu-Mensah was extremely impressive during the so-called mini-derby between Manchester United's and Manchester City's academies back in April. 

David Lynch of Manchester Evening News wrote, "Fosu-Mensah was flawless as part of a defensive line that faced plenty of probing from a talented Blues team in a hotly contested fixture." 

Lynch went on to write, "If the coaches at the club want to truly test the young defender out, then moving him up an age group and out of his comfort zone could be the way forward." 

He's just 17, so it would be very early for Fosu-Mensah to step up to the first team, but he is ahead of the game, physically speaking. His technique belies his early years at Ajax, and there looks to be the making of a very Van Gaal type player in him. 

As with Pearson, how his manager uses him in pre-season will be instructive.