5 Manchester United youth players ready to graduate to the first team next season

Manchester United have an impressive U23 roster.
Manchester United have an impressive U23 roster.

#3: Dylan Levitt (Central Midfielder)

Northern Ireland U18s v Manchester United U18s: SuperCupNI
Northern Ireland U18s v Manchester United U18s: SuperCupNI

Dylan Levitt played a single match for Manchester United's senior squad last season. It was against FC Astana on the road where Manchester United suffered a 2-1.

Despite the result, Levitt was one of the Manchester United players who stood out during that game. For someone of his age, he impressed during that game with his playmaking abilities and progressive passes.

Just like his teammate James Garner, Levitt seems to be too good for the level presented by Premier League 2, the league where the Manchester United U23 team plays. He is more than ready for the next step of his career.

Levit has already proved that he can keep up with the level of play in the senior squad, so a promotion to Manchester United's first team would not look out of place for him.

With Nemanja Matic not getting any younger, and Levitt being a player with a similar profile, the Welsh footballer might be a contender for a spot in the first team.

#2: Ethan Laird (Right-Back)

Manchester United v Sunderland - Premier League 2
Manchester United v Sunderland - Premier League 2

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will need a talented back-up for Aaron Wan-Bissaka for the next season, and Ethan Laird can fill up that spot.

The 18-year old is one of the most talented prospects that Manchester United have in their academy at the moment. He has already shown what he can do in the few minutes he played in the Europa League this season.

The Manchester United manager seems to have high hopes for Laird as he has included him in the senior squad a few times during the season.

Laird fits the modern profile of a right-back. He is able to provide support for the offence from a wide area, while also fulfilling his defensive obligations. He has decent stamina that allows him to venture up and down the pitch.

It will be interesting to see if Solskjaer chooses to loan him out in the next transfer window, in order for Laird to gain more minutes at a high level, or keep him in Manchester United's senior squad to act as a backup for Wan-Bissaka.

#1: Teden Mengi (Centre-back)

Manchester United v Newcastle United - Premier League 2
Manchester United v Newcastle United - Premier League 2

Teden Mengi is a player that Manchester United might actually need next season. He made a name for himself this season after Manchester United didn't concede a goal for 360 minutes in the FA Youth Cup.

With Soljskaer looking to add more depth to the centre-back position next season, Mengi is a player that he should focus on. The young talent has progressed a lot in just one season, so a step-up to the senior squad could help him develop faster into an elite defender.

For the Manchester United U23 team, Mengi impressed a lot with the ball at his feet. He is a defender who can carry the ball from the defensive area and provide passes up the field.

Manchester United don't have a centre-back of his profile at the moment, so Mengi can add something different to the senior squad. With Bailly's availability a question mark, Solskjaer should focus on Mengi as a backup for Harry Maguire and Lindelof for the centre-back position.

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