Manchester United have a habit of producing high-calibre players. The class of 92 set the wheels in motion for the construction line coming out of Carrington.
Marcus Rashford, Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard are living, breathing proof of the work carried out behind United’s training ground walls.
John O’Shea, Wes Brown and Darren Fletcher went on to do pretty well for themselves too.
Jonny Evans hasn’t done too badly for himself either since swapping Old Trafford for the King Power Stadium.
Now, there’s another bunch of talented youngsters scratching at the starting XI door, waiting to make a breakthrough.
Mason Greenwood is leading this youthful revolution, with the likes of James Garner, Teden Mengi and Shola Shoretire waiting in the wings.
But one teenager, in particular, has been stealing the headlines recently.
Exciting times for Elanga
The Telegraph reports Anthony Elanga is close to signing a significant long-term deal with the Red Devils, having taken baby steps in the first team under baby-faced assassin Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Elanga came to the forefront of people’s minds when Ralf Rangnick started the teenager against Young Boys in United’s final group game in the Champions League.
Rangnick also brought the Sweden U21 international off the bench during United’s 1-0 win at home to Crystal Palace, the manager’s debut match in the dugout.
The extended contract, combined with the trust of his coach, indicates a fine future ahead for Elanga at the Theatre of Dreams.
It’s a career that might shoot into life sooner than many expected.
Martial and Cavani on the way out?
Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial are being tipped to leave United either in January or the summer.
According to TyC Sports, Barcelona have offered a hand to Cavani, with the Uruguayan apparently keen to join Spain’s stumbling giants.
Eurosport, meanwhile, reports Atletico Madrid have shown interest in Martial as he looks to escape from his misery in Manchester.
If one or even both forwards leave in the upcoming transfer windows, a major gap will open up in Rangnick’s attack for someone to fill.
Of course, United could go out and spend big money again. Yet, after throwing a lot of it at Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane, along with the wages of Cristiano Ronaldo, the idea of splashing more cash won’t be top of the agenda.
To save some pennies Elanga could be sprung into the spotlight more often. If he’s going to be wearing red for a while, Rangnick should see how the jersey fits as soon as possible.
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