Manchester United have been in the headlines over JJ Gabriel's shock decision to ask the club to cancel his registration as the 15-year-old seeks a move abroad. The teenager has attracted interest from Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, just days after scoring a hat-trick in the UEFA Youth League win over Sabah.
United's next generation
Gabriel is seen as a generational talent and United have done all they can to keep him at the club, but there remains a plethora of top talent coming through the ranks at Old Trafford. Here are three of them.
Shea Lacey is the most obvious name given he has already made a first-team impact. He impressed in cameo appearances last season, including hitting the bar against Burnley in a game where he was also sent off, but this term could be the breakout campaign for the 19-year-old.
Lacey and Ajayi on the rise
His goal against Brighton in the Carabao Cup showed his ability to play at the top level, and while United suffered a desperate defeat in that game, it could prove the start of Lacey's journey. He could get further first-team opportunities in the coming weeks and has the trust of boss Michael Carrick.
Noah Ajayi signed his first professional contract this week and looks poised to kick on having sorted his immediate future. He scored twice during United's run to the FA Youth Cup final and ended the campaign with nine goals in all competitions for the Under-18s.
Thompson's big chance
Ajayi has also featured for United's Under-21s. Born in Hamburg, the forward has earned caps at youth level for Germany.
Tynan Thompson, 18, was handed minutes in pre-season and is expected to be given first-team opportunities this season. United signed the winger from Tottenham in the summer after agreeing a deal worth £4million, with a further £4m in add-ons.
He is highly rated in academy circles and made the Spurs bench for two Champions League games last season. United are excited about what the England youth international can offer in the coming months and years.
