Man United pick two starlets who can follow Kobbie Mainoo’s footsteps, first-team debut yet to come

Manchester United have seemed to identify two youngsters who could replicate Kobbie Mainoo’s rise into the first-team side.

Mainoo, 19, made his full Premier League debut for United in November against Everton. He then scored the eventual winning goal against Manchester City in the FA Cup final last weekend.

There was much progression in between then for the England international, who was arguably one of the best players for Erik ten Hag across the season.

His emergence into the first team came later than first anticipated due to an injury sustained in pre-season against Real Madrid. Once he came into the team, it was clear that he was ready.

Now, United are already seemingly looking ahead to next season, where they can bring through some more exciting talent into the first-team squad.

Two exciting talents

According to a new report from the Telegraph, Sir Jim Ratcliffe will require Manchester United’s manager to adhere to strict profit and sustainability rules (PSR), marking a decisive end to the club’s lavish net spending.

Ratcliffe and his INEOS team are currently assessing Erik ten Hag’s position, and the next season’s manager will have to operate with a significantly reduced budget. The new approach will emphasize integrating youth players into the first team.

After the FA Cup final win against Manchester City last weekend, Ten Hag was seen in deep conversation with Toby Collyer, 20, who travelled with the squad. The England youth international is regarded as a player with first-team potential at Old Trafford, the report explained.

The report also added that Harry Amass is another young player highly thought of at the club. He appeared on the first-team bench seven times last season despite only turning 17 in March.

No debuts yet

Despite both Collyer and Amass finding their way onto the United bench numerous times last season, neither has yet made their debut for the first team.

They will both likely get the chance to impress during the upcoming pre-season tour, as will other academy talent within Carrington.

Amass is a left-back who was crucial to the Under-18s treble-winning side last season. Meanwhile, Collyer is a deeper midfield player who has been playing in the Under-21s since joining the club from Brighton in 2022.