Manchester United: Top 5 Young Buds That Could Reach The Stars
Every now an again we witness performances, individual and team efforts, that excite us in some ways towards the future.
Tuesday evening was no different. While United might have had to work a little harder than expected against a hard working Wolves outfit, the young boys pulled of an excellent victory to progress further as they look to defend the Carling Cup.
There were a couple of interesting selections that performed beyond satisfactory on the night, many of whom we have seen in the first team already, others whom are breaking in, slowly but surely.
All in all, these players will have huge roles to play as the season moves along, and through the management of Sir Alex we have seen over the years how young players become vital to the team and grow into world class players.
Already the results of hard work, determination and great consistency within the youth system, and reserves by the backroom staff and players, seem to be working off.
In this slide presentation we take a brief glance at some of those players who could turn out to be an added bonus to the squad, allowing more room for rotation and creating more depth and strength in the team.
With some of the bigger names out with injury, the likes of Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Owen and Hargreaves, many of the younger players are gaining experience and could learn more as the season goes into the business phase, with tough opposition and more games coming up.
Gabriel Obertan
1 of 5
Age: 21
Nationality: French
Position: Winger
Obertan made the move to Old Trafford in 2009 and has been working extremely hard to fight for a spot in the first team, since.
He's shown great potential and in time could earn a place as a regular in the team.
Pace, strength and skill—All the makings of a top winger, Gabriel is one of those players that with experience and hard work could become a huge contributor to the success at Manchester.
In many ways he reminds us of Ronaldo, not in the style of play but rather in his approach play, running the wing, a couple of step overs and the release.
Being young and ambitious, he's found himself in great positions but squandered them by taking shots when rather he could pass the ball.
For now that's where the similarity ends, but with the proper management and training he could be a vital player for United.
Bébé
2 of 5
Tiago Manuel Dias Correia
Age: 20
Nationality: Portuguese
Position: Winger/ Forward
One of those shock signings, a total unknown even by Sir Alex's standards, a player he never watched not even on video, but acted quickly when the opportunity came.
Bebe basically came from the Portuguese Second Division, he has got great praise from United scouts in Portugal as well as from former United assistant Carlos Queiroz.
Nevertheless the youngster has shown impressive growth since his arrival, the training staff has worked on his fitness and strength. While he did look a little short of fitness on Tuesday, he's definitely set his mark as a player who could improve to be worthy of league start in the near future.
Amazing wing play, collecting the ball, speed and skill running at defenders and what I would call a wizard crosser.
He hardly ever delivers a bad cross, and with United having so many quality forwards like Berbatov, Rooney, Giggs, Scholes, Chicha and more, they will love receiving the ball from the feet of Bebe.
Chicharito
3 of 5
Javier Hernández Balcázar
Age: 22
Nationality: Mexican
Position: Striker
The arms wide stretched, bold smile and cheerful exuberance is a site we all should get used to. He might not be one of those young talents from the academy, but certainly a youngster that in my opinion is the buy of the season.
In many cases Sir Alex and his staff at Old Trafford have picked up quality young players for small fees, similar with the Ronaldo case, and in a few years the profits are astronomical.
Chicha has in many ways stamped his spot in the United starting 11, or at least on the bench, he has an amazing presence on the pitch, something United lacked for the past season.
He's already shown us he can score at will, whether playing for club or country.
Without a doubt, the young Mexican will play his role this season.
Rafael Da Silva
4 of 5
Age: 20
Nationality: Brazilian
Position: Right Back/ Right Winger
When we hear the name Rafael, it's tough to understand that only at the age of 20 he his already made around 30 appearances for the club.
With the likes of Gary Neville and Wes Brown as alternatives, Sir Alex on many occasions turns to the youngster to run the the right flank, a great moral booster.
Over the last couple seasons he's grown and matured into the role, and having played in some big games for the first team, growing in experience.
Rafael will have enough opportunities but there's none like the present. He will however face a tough test from some of the bigger clubs in the league, and I am sure he will be looking forward to.
He will have to manage his tackling; we remember the red card he received against Bayern Munich last season which cost the team so dearly.
Nevertheless, he's a player with great promise and one that has already delivered some excellent performances.
Federico Macheda
5 of 5
Age: 19
Nationality: Italian
Position: Striker
In more than one way he has been over shadowed by the young Mexican, now Frederico faces a tough challenge to stay within rage of a first team spot.
Only 19, which means he has years on his side but a couple of rather average performances of late failing to find the back of the net, the Italian will need to work extra hard to impress the boss.
While he has great instincts and at times has shown quality in the box, a negative on his side is a lack of strength which has seen him lose position in various games.
Especially playing in the premier league against tough opposition physically: Stoke and Blackburn for example could be a mountain to high for the youngster.
But that's a problem that could be rectified with increased physical training.
He has shown character and belief in times when most needed and add the "likable" factor, which is vital in any team.
He will have his role to play. With Rooney injured, Owen out with a hamstring pull and many games coming up, he could find himself with plenty opportunities to prove his worth.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
