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Manchester United have looked sharp since the Premier League's resumption a month ago.
They haven't lose a single match so far and have accumulated four wins and tw losses during this period. This string of good results has seen them in pole position to secure a Champions League spot for next season, something that was rather difficult to fathom before the COVID-19 lockdown.
With Bruno Fernandes performing at a very high level, Paul Pogba impressing since his return from injury and Anthony Martial in good form of play, Manchester United are arguably the most in-form team in the Premier League at the moment.
However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will look to improve his squad for the next season in the upcoming transfer window as the Red Devils still have some holes to fill in their current roster. Nevertheless, the financial losses that the current pandemic has caused for most football clubs seem to indicate that we will not see many big investments in the next transfer window.
Soljskaer might have to take a look at Manchester United's youth squad to improve his current crop of players. On that note, we take a look at some of the best prospects that Manchester United have in their academy at the moment, especially the ones who seem ready to make the step up to the first team.
Five Manchester United players ready to step up to the first team
#5: Hannibal Mejbri (Central Midfielder)
Hannibal Mejbri is one of the brightest young talents that Manchester United have at the moment. The 17-year-old French midfielder, who joined the English club from AS Monaco last summer, managed to impress for Manchester United in the FA Youth Cup this year.
With the ball at his feet, he has looked very mature for his age. He has also provided great support in the team's defensive department.
Mejbri already has quite a lot of hype accumulated around him after the hefty price Manchester United paid for him last summer. So far, he has proved that he can be a good investment for the Red Devils, as he showed positive signs in becoming a great playmaker in the future.
He looks like a special player for his age. Being able to train with the first-team and play a few matches for them would certainly help his development a lot. Mejbri is a prospect that Solskjaer shouldn't ignore if he wants to improve his midfield department next season.
#4: James Garner (Defensive Midfielder)
James Garner has already played some matches for Manchester United's senior team this year. For someone of his age, he provided a good impression.
However, what should be noted is his amazing season for Manchester United's U-23 team. He managed to easily dominate at that level in most matches and seems ready for the next step in his career. Whether that next step means playing for Manchester United's senior team or a loan to a smaller club where he can get more minutes remains to be seen, though.
Garner has impressed with his great versatility on the football pitch, among other attributes. He has played at a very high level, both a ball-winning midfielder or as a playmaker.
He possesses very strong defensive capabilities, but at the same time, he can also create chances for his teammates. He is a player that Manchester United should pay attention to and try to further develop. A promotion to the senior squad looks like a real possibility for James Garner.
#3: Dylan Levitt (Central Midfielder)
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)
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)
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.
