It’s been a chaotic end to October for Manchester United as Erik ten Hag finally received his marching orders, but attention turns back to the pitch on Wednesday evening.
United supporters are understandably excited by the prospect of Ruben Amorim’s seemingly imminent arrival, but it’s legendary former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy who will be in the Old Trafford dugout on Wednesday as the Red Devils aim to conquer Leicester City in the Carabao Cup fourth round.
How the interim coach will approach the tie remains to be seen but given United’s ever-increasing injury list, he may be tempted to rest and rotate. In turn, that could offer up some of the club’s promising youngsters the opportunity to make an impression in front of the Old Trafford crowd.
Here are four academy stars who could feature for United against the Foxes.
United’s defensive injury crisis could hand young left-back Harry Amass the opportunity 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 Red Devils’ bench for the last two outings.
With Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia injured, Van Nistelrooy may call upon the young Englishman, who has caught the eye while playing for United’s youth sides since his arrival in August 2023.
Ethan Wheatley has already made three appearances for United’s senior side but all three have been minor cameos in the Premier League. Wednesday could potentially serve up the striker’s first start, with the 18-year-old having been among the substitutes for the last three matches.
Van Nistelrooy knows a thing or two about centre-forwards and, even if Joshua Zirkzee is most likely to lead the line, Wheatley could earn some valuable minutes off the bench.
Much like Amass, right-back Habeeb Ogunneye still awaits his first senior appearance for the Red Devils despite being a regular bench-warmer. He too featured sporadically in pre-season, earning game time against Rosenborg and Rangers.
United’s defensive injury concerns opens 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 swept through the academy as well, with midfielders Toby Collyer and Daniel Gore currently sidelined. The duo could have been involved against Leicester if not for fitness issues, with Collyer having already made three appearances this season.
However, young 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 from crosstown rivals Manchester City.
The attacking midfielder has featured among the substitutes for the past two Premier League games and will be eager to follow in his father’s footsteps at Old Trafford.
