da dobrowin： Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United side are having a tough time of it at the moment with just one Premier League win in their last seven matches.
da fezbet： In Europe and in the EFL Cup it’s been a different story, especially at Old Trafford, though, with both competitions offering the home fans the chance to see some of the team’s best performances of the season.
Despite that, West Ham visit tomorrow night hoping to cause a cup upset and pile further pressure on Mourinho.
It’s unlikely the Man United boss sees the EFL Cup as a priority this season, with his eyes set on securing at Champions League spot at the very least.
With that it mind, the West Ham match could give some Man United youngsters who find themselves on the fringes of the squad a chance to impress and stake a claim for a regular start.
Here are our FIVE Red Devils youngsters that deserve a chance…
Timothy Fosu-Mensah
18-year-old Fosu-Mensah has already started twice this season, including in the third round of this competition away to Northampton Town. However, on both of these occasions, it was in a right-back role.
He’s also made two appearances from the bench, being thrust into a midfield role where he looks more comfortable.
It’d be nice to see Fosu-Mensah get a start in midfield and with both Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini unavailable, it could happen.
The youngster signed a four-year contract with the club just last month so it’s clear he has a future at Old Trafford. Can he cement that with a solid performance against Premier League opposition?
Luke Shaw
It feels strange to think of Luke Shaw as a youngster given that he’s made close to 40 appearances for the club but at the age of just 21, he’s still learning and developing as a Manchester United left-back.
The former Southampton man hasn’t featured in the Premier League since October, apparently falling out of favour since a 0-0 draw at home to Burnley.
He did shine in a Europa League match vs. Feyenoord however and a start against West Ham could be a ticket back to a regular place in Mourinho’s XI.
Anthony Martial
Anthony Martial is suffering a little from second season syndrome after such a successful campaign last year.
After scoring 17 goals last season, the 20-year old has started only one Premier League game since the start of September, and is struggling to convince Mourinho he’s worth more game time.
A crucial equaliser against Stoke and a Europa League goal against Fenerbahce have shown that he still has the ability to shine for United and if he can send them through to a semi-final with a good performance against West Ham then things may begin to look brighter for him once again.
Axel Tuanzebe
Axel Tuanzebe is a young defender with a bright future in the game and part of us surprised he is still to make his Manchester United debut.
The young centre-back made the bench under Louis van Gaal and also featured in a pre-season friendly against Wigan for Mourinho.
So far, though, the 19-year-old has had to remain patient. A part of United’s reserve squad, he was previously captain of their U-18s side and has shown in his short career the leadership qualities to succeed at the top level.
Although unlikely to start, it’d be nice to see him get a chance from the bench and make his first-team debut, should the game be going to plan for Mourinho’s men.
Callum Gribbin
Callum Gribbin is just shy of 18, but has shown in his burgeoning career the type of ability that could see him make an impact on the Manchester United scene in the near future.
The arrival of Marcus Rashford in Man United’s first-team squad showed what impact and energy youngsters can add to a team and the explosive winger could be utilised in such a way.
Playing for both the U-18s and reserves this season, the local lad would get a positive reception from the Old Trafford faithful should he be given the nod from the bench.