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Manchester United have given nearly three times the amount of minutes (3,637) to teenagers in the Premier League this season than the rest of the top 6 combined (1,245).
Fans of the Red Devils have been forced to tolerate a lot this season. After finishing third last season and winning a trophy for the first time since Jose Mourinho delivered the Europa League in 2017, hopes were high at the start of the year.
However, ever since United’s midfield was ripped to pieces in a highly unconvincing home win against Wolves on opening day, expectations have sunk and the Old Trafford outfit find themselves in sixth, well off the Champions League places.
Erik ten Hag’s men followed this up with a pathetic showing in the Champions League which saw them finish last, while their Carabao Cup defence also fell at the second hurdle.
In the midst of this abject form, an FA Cup semi-final against Coventry City and the sheer number of games that young players have played this season are the two shining lights of this campaign.
Manchester United have given nearly three times the amount of minutes (3,637) to teenagers in the Premier League this season than the rest of the Top 6 combined (1,245):
🥇 MAN UTD (3,637)
🥈 Man City (698)
🥉 Aston Villa (360)
4️⃣ Liverpool (117)
5️⃣ Spurs (56)
6️⃣ Arsenal (14)… pic.twitter.com/XVnQovaSav— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) April 9, 2024
The Red Devils dominate their PL rivals when it comes to giving teenagers minutes, especially in comparison to the rest of the top six. Whilst United have given 3,637 minutes to teenagers, league leaders Arsenal have only allowed 14 minutes. Manchester City have provided 698 minutes and bitter rivals Liverpool a paltry 117.
Alejandro Garnacho, at only 19 years old, has quickly turned himself into the side’s most potent attacking weapons, as he has scored nine goals and created another four in all competitions this campaign.
The Peoples Person relayed back in February that the Argentine had played more minutes than any other teen in the division. Furthermore, the 19 year old recently tied Michael Owen’s record by scoring a brace as a teenager in three different league games this season, most recently at Stamford Bridge.
In addition, the rise of 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo will always be synonymous with the 2023/2024 season. The young Stockport native has dazzled pundits and fans alike and, in a similar vein to Garnacho, has cemented himself as a vital cog of the team. The youngster does so many things so well but two wonder strikes versus Wolves and Liverpool will live long in the memory.
The most impressive thing about both players is not only the minutes they are playing but how crucial their contributions are. These goals also helped United break another youth record as they helped United become the team with most goals scored by teenagers in Premier League history.
It is scary to think where Ten Hag’s side would be without Garnacho or Mainoo this season.
Willy Kambwala has had nothing like the influence of the aforementioned two, but this season may just have unearthed yet another future gem.
The 19-year-old Frenchman did himself proud when he had to step in alongside Jonny Evans at West Ham due to an injury crisis in December. Ever since, he has been a regular squad member and made substitute appearances versus Manchester City and Chelsea.
However, his display against Liverpool, when he played his first ever 90 minute game for United, was widely praised and has got fans excited about another academy product making his breakthrough at Old Trafford.
Similarly, 19-year-old Omari Forson was also given his Premier League debut this campaign and will hope for a taste of more in the coming future.
Youth development has always been vital to the lifeblood of the club and in such dark times, fans will be relieved that. at least in this regard, United’s future looks very bright.
The star-studded under-18s who recently mauled Liverpool 1-9 are a testament to that and, logically, supporters at Old Trafford can look forward to more fresh-faced teenagers making their mark in the coming seasons at the Theatre of Dreams.
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