There is a lot to imagine as Manchester United prepares for their second season under Erik Ten Hag's management.
The former Ajax boss's first season will be voted far from average but not totally excellent, thanks to some unfortunate events that played out as the season entered its climax. At least they reached their goals of securing a trophy and finishing in the top four, which gives them the chance to return to the UEFA Champions League competition.
Erik Ten Hag hasn't really influenced the team like he did at Ajax. The Dutch tactician created a team consisting mainly of the club's academy players with a few reinforcements to complete them. Typical of Ole Solskjaer's vision when he took over as manager at Old Trafford
At Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag has already been given the much-needed support he needs to build his team, including total access to the youth team, which he claims will help the Red Devils promote quality and talent into the first team.
It will not be a surprise if Manchester United under the Dutch manager ends up replicating the class of 92 squad structure, but Ole Solskjaer made it manifest briefly in 2019 when he fielded a starting lineup of academy graduates, with Jesse Lingard the only player from the first team squad featuring as captain for the day in their final group stage game in the Europa League against Astana. They have already qualified for the quarterfinals, topping their group's table.
Although they lost 2-1 away to Astana, Manchester United fans were happy to see so many talents from their academy given the chance to feature for the first team.
Erik Ten Hag is expected to do the same as the current manager, but the current standard required at the club means it might take some time to attain this goal. Already, he has featured Alejandro Gernacho, Facundo Pellistri, and Anthony Elanga several times last season, with the first duo appearing to be more popular.
Several youth team players were shining lights as they served at their various loan clubs. Amad Diallo and Alvaro Fernández were both top guns as they won Player of the Year awards for Sunderland AFC and Preston North End, respectively.
A clearout and revamp are anticipated when the summer transfer window opens, but Manchester United still have some talents they can turn to in their academy next season. Here is a fantasy starting at eleven, as proposed by ManUtdgistlovers.
Defense
Matej Kovar, a Czech first division champion with Sparta Prague and Goalkeeper of the Year That experience will surely boost his confidence massively between the sticks, as he played a major role in Sparta Prague's journey as champions.
At the heart of Manchester United's defense, Will Fish starts alongside Tengi Mengi. Will Fish had a memorable loan stint with Hibernian, and he is being touted to return for a second stint. The Old Trafford faithful are already accustomed to Tengi Mengi's talent in defense.
At left back, Alvaro Fernández is the undisputed first choice. The 2022 Manchester United Youth Emirates FA Cup winners captain has impressed excellently while on loan at Preston North End. Attack-wise, he is what Erik Ten Hag will put on the pitch without blinking, but he was also solid in defense.
Right back, it will be between Marc Jurardo and Ethan Laird. Ethan Laird started the aforementioned Manchester United's march against Astana back in 2019, and the fact that he left on a loan stint with Queens Park Rangers and gained the trust of their manager is something positive. He will be a starter ahead of Marc Jurardo, who featured for Eric Ten Hag during the Red Devils midseason tour to Spain.
In the middle of the park is where the problem lies; there are several young players who have impressed in that role. Talking about Maxi Oyedele, Hannibal Mejbri, Kobbie Mainoo and Charlie Savage.
But Hannibal Mejbri and Kobbie Mainoo will be given the nod ahead of others; although both are ball-playing midfielders, the physical aspect of Hannibal Mejbri's game can see them lock down the Red Devils midfield defensively.
In attack, Manchester United is blessed with several talents. Alejandro Gernacho will undisputedly retain the left wing; he already has done enough to gain Erik Ten Hag's trust, and Amad Diallo will feature on the right given his successful loan stint with Sunderland in that position. Facundo Pellistri will have to play in an unusual role as a center-attacking midfielder; all he needs to do is work on his vision, passing range, and goal-scoring ability. The little playing time he got has shown he is capable of retaining the ball and creating chances, while also having the ability to run the length of the pitch tirelessly.
In the striker position, it's a three-way call. Mason Greenwood, Joe Hugil, and Anthony Elanga are serious contenders. Mason Greenwood is no doubt the best finisher of the three; he has already shown that.
However, with his current situation, which has made his future at the club dark, Joe Hugil could be called upon, but Anthony Elanga's individual skill can't be underrated. United fans are allowed to stay positive about Mason Greenwood's return. The 21-year-old gets the nod over the duo.
A worthy mention is Zidane Iqbal but he has only featured on bench for Erik Ten Hag but his talent as a youngster is unquestionable.
Final starting eleven
Matej Kovar, Will Fish, Tengi Mengi, Ethan Laird, Alvaro Fernández, Hannibal Mejbri, Zidane Iqbal, Alejandro Gernacho, Amad Diallo, Facundo Pellistri, and Mason Greenwood
Who do you think should have made the cut?