It’s been a chaotic end to October for Manchester United as Erik ten Hag finally received his marching orders, but attention turns to the pitch on Wednesday evening.
United supporters are understandably excited by the prospect The seemingly imminent arrival of Ruben Amorimbut it is legendary former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy who will be in the Old Trafford dugout on Wednesday as the Red Devils look to conquer Leicester City in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
It remains to be seen how the interim manager will deal with the tie, but given United’s ever-growing injury list, he may be tempted to rest and rotate. In turn, this could offer some of the club’s promising youngsters the chance to make an impression in front of the Old Trafford crowd.
Here are four academy stars who could show up united against the Foxes.
United’s defensive injury crisis could give young left-back Harry Amass a chance to make his senior debut. The 17-year-old left-back impressed during the pre-season tour of the United States and has been named on the bench for the Red Devils in their last two outings.
With Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia injured, Van Nistelrooy can call on the English youngster, who has caught the eye while playing for United’s youth ranks since his arrival in August 2023.
Ethan Wheatley has already made three appearances for United’s senior team, but all three have been minor cameos in the Premier League. Wednesday could be the striker’s first start, as the 18-year-old has been on the substitutes’ bench for the last three games.
Van Nistelrooy knows a thing or two about centre-forwards and even if Joshua Zirkzee is more likely to lead the line, Wheatley could earn some valuable minutes off the bench.
Like Amass, right back Habeeb Ogunneye is still awaiting his first senior appearance for the Red Devils despite being a regular bench warmer. He also featured sporadically in pre-season, earning playing time against Rosenborg and Rangers.
United’s defensive injury concerns open the door for Ogunneye to feature in some capacity against Leicester, with the London-born 18-year-old potentially offering Diogo Dalot a partial rest.
United’s injury curse has also hit the academy, with midfielders Toby Collyer and Daniel Gore currently sidelined. The duo could have been involved against Leicester were it not for fitness issues, with Collyer having already made three appearances this season.
However, youngster Jack Fletcher is another exciting midfielder making waves in Manchester. The 17-year-old is the son of former United midfielder Darren Fletcher, while his twin brother Tyler also represents the club after both joined rivals Manchester City.
The attacking midfielder has featured in the substitutes’ last two Premier League games and will be eager to follow in his father’s footsteps at Old Trafford.
