Manchester United always have a philosophy to trust in their youth.
In the past, the academy has been one of the sources for the finest array of footballing talent coming out of Old Trafford. It’s produced some of the best Manchester United players ever.
In recent times, the talent has stagnated slightly – but names like Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood have all surfaced. Erik ten Hag was a firm believer in youth during his time at Ajax, gifting 23 academy graduates their debut in the Netherlands.
He has continued with this belief during his tenure at the Red Devils. Here are the six academy graduates Erik ten Hag has handed a debut to at Manchester United so far.
Charlie McNeill Manchester United debut
- Opponent: Real Sociedad
- Competition: Europa League
- Date: 8th of September 2022
Charlie McNeill marked his final day as an 18-year-old, by coming off the bench for Tyrell Malacia, with seven minutes left on the clock at Old Trafford in a Europa League clash with Real Sociedad.
The Red Devils lost the fixture 1-0 after a controversial second-half penalty.
Kobbie Mainoo Manchester United debut
- Opponent: Charlton Athletic
- Competition: Carabao Cup
- Date: 10th of January 2023
Kobbie Mainoo made his Manchester United debut at the start of 2023 against Charlton Athletic in the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup. The Red Devils won the fixture 3-0 thanks to goals from Antony and a Marcus Rashford double.
He has since become a regular in the Manchester United first-team squad.
Dan Gore Manchester United debut
- Opponent: Crystal Palace
- Competition: Carabao Cup
- Date: 26th of September 2023
Dan Gore came off the bench against Crystal Palace to make his senior bow in the Carabao Cup.
Erik ten Hag’s side picked apart the Eagles, winning 3-0 in a dominant performance with goals from Alejandro Garnacho, Casemiro and Anthony Martial.
Willy Kambwala Manchester United debut
- Opponent: West Ham
- Competition: Premier League
- Date: 23rd of December 2023
Willy Kambwala was given his debut against West Ham United amid an injury crisis at Manchester United.
He played well, but, unfortunately, his first-team start ended in a 2-0 defeat. Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus with the goals.
Omari Forson Manchester United debut
- Opponent: Wigan Athletic
- Competition: FA Cup
- Date: 8th of January 2024
Omari Forson came off the bench to replace fellow academy graduate Marcus Rashford during stoppage time in an away win over Wigan Athletic in the Emirates FA Cup third round.
The Red Devils emerged victorious thanks to a Diogo Dalot strike and a Bruno Fernandes penalty.
Ethan Wheatley Manchester United debut
- Opponent: Sheffield United
- Competition: Premier League
- Date: 24th of April 2024
Ethan Wheatley came off the bench in the final minutes of Manchester United’s Premier League win over Sheffield United, replacing Rasmus Hojlund with the team 4-2 up.
Wheatley, 18, had scored 20 goals or the academy this season to earn this opportunity, and become the 250th academy graduate to earn a debut at Manchester United.
Which academy players did Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hand a Man Utd debut to?
- Tahith Chong
- James Garner
- Mason Greenwood
- Brandon Williams
- Di’Shon Bernard
- Ethan Laird
- Dylan Levitt
- D’Mani Mellor
- Largie Ramazani
- Ethan Galbraith
- Teden Mengi
- Dean Henderson
- Shola Shoretire
- Anthony Elanga
- Hannibal Mejbri
- Will Fish
Which academy players did Ralf Rangnick hand a Man Utd debut to?
- Zidane Iqbal
- Charlie Savage
- Alejandro Garnacho