Trio Of Young Stars

United’s pre-season preparations were mostly about match sharpness, yet impressing David Moyes was also on the agenda too. Three young Reds really took their chance. We profile them here.

Wilfried Zaha
Age: 20
Position: Winger
Tour appearances: 3 starts, 2 substitute appearances
Tour goals: 1 v Cerezo Osaka

What’s the story? Signed from Crystal Palace in January, he was loaned back to the Eagles and was central to their Premier League promotion. Now a fully-fledged Red, he’s eager to impress new boss David Moyes.

What made him stand out? Raw pace and an eager willingness to take defenders on. He’s a typically fearless kid, and while he is still learning the ropes and will have spells of form he'll be exciting to watch this season.

What now? It’s intriguing to see how he performs when United’s full squad is back together and he mixes with the big guns. It’s likely to be a season of learning, but a potentially enthralling one.

Say what? “Wilfried is a fantastic talent. He’s raw with great individual skills and the early indications are that he’s a hard worker. He has a hunger to get inside and drive into the opponents’ box. That’s a good thing to have.” – Rio Ferdinand

Adnan Januzaj
Age: 18
Position: Forward
Tour appearances: 2 starts, 3 substitute appearances
Tour goals: 1 v Kitchee FC

What’s the story? After trading Anderlecht for Manchester, red tape held up his Academy debut and then injury curtailed his progress. Last season, however, was one of rapid progress for the creative Belgian who was voted Reserves' Player of the Year and was on the bench in Sir Alex Ferguson's final game.

What made him stand out? Supreme confidence and natural ability, allied with a new-found level of industry and endeavour. No longer knocked off the ball, he makes robust challenges of his own. Aside from his first-ever senior goal, a header, his pass in the build-up to Wilfried Zaha's injury-time equaliser against Cerezo Osaka was out of the top drawer.

What now? Many would reckon he is still too young and green for the Barclays Premier League but he has given David Moyes food for thought. If a loan move was to emerge as the most sensible option, it's possible one on the continent could best enable his skills to flourish.

Say what? "Januzaj did change. It was the case with him that he always had good talent, a good brain, good timing, balance and a good touch. He just developed well over the season and he's got to continue, keep his head down and keep working to see how far he can go. - U21s boss Warren Joyce

Jesse Lingard
Age: 20
Position: Forward
Tour appearances: 3 starts, 2 substitute appearances
Tour goals: 2 v A-League All Stars, 1 v Kitchee FC

What's the story? The Warrington youngster has progressed through United’s ranks, winning the FA Youth Cup in 2011 before graduating to the Under21s with aplomb. A place on last summer’s tour prompted a loan to Leicester, where he made five substitute appearances.

What made him stand out? Jesse has shown great promise in recent seasons, though his physicality held him back. Now, with added height and broader shoulders, his presence is greater and his confidence shows. He’s fearless, can score goals and boasts excellent technique.

What now? A United debut looks inevitable under Moyes, who says Jesse is knocking on the first-team door. The League Cup is the perfect platform, beyond that it's down to form and grasping his chances.

Say what? “I believe in myself but I have to start believing in myself more. That is what the coaches have been telling me. I have to know what my game's about and keep scoring.” – Jesse Lingard