Ones To Watch Out For In 2018

It seems to get harder to pick individuals within the Manchester United youth ranks to look out for in the New Year but I have opted for three members of Kieran McKenna's Under-18 squad.

There may have been disappointment in the FA Youth Cup, when the Reds lost out on penalties to Derby County, but 2018 promises much for the team in general with an attacking outlook continuing to produce many memorable moments.

One of the big stories of the season so far at this level has been the way Tahith Chong has returned to action with such flamboyance, despite a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a knee injury. The striking Dutchman, born in Curacao, may be instantly recognisable with his shaggy hair but it his graceful style that truly sets him apart.

He scored in the mini-derby defeat to Manchester City, in his first start since the injury, and was on target again with a solo effort at Pride Park. Yet there is far more to his game than goals as he is an exciting talent who loves to run with the ball.

"I describe myself as a typical winger," he told Inside United. "Left or right, it doesn't matter for me. I like to beat people one-versus-one, or at least I try to. I could work on my goalscoring but I like to link up with the other players, giving assists."

Head of Academy Nicky Butt has no doubts about the 18-year-old's potential, telling MUTV: "He's a player we've always had over the years at Manchester United - an attacking player who likes to dribble with the ball and take people on."

Credit must go to the staff for the way Chong kept with the group in his rehabilitation, even making the pre-season training camp in Austria, as this must have aided his smooth return. Even the head injury that forced him to be taken off on a stretcher at Derby should, hopefully, not impact on his progress - which could be rapid in 2018 if he can get back to full fitness and firing on all cylinders.

Jimmy Garner is a very different type of footballer to Chong, somebody who is uncomplicated and keeps things simple in defence and midfield. There were encouraging signs to suggest he has the mentality of a United player when the chips were down at Pride Park in the Youth Cup, rolling his sleeves up and throwing himself into challenges and blocks when United, effectively down to eight men at the end, were under siege.

Formerly captain of the Under-16s, it is not hard to suggest he could be the future skipper of McKenna's side and he does have a steadying influence in his demeanour and well as his ability on the ball. Of course, the 16-year-old still has much to learn but he can be pleased with how he has handled the step up this term.

Like the third name on my list, Ethan Laird, Garner has been recognised with an England Under-17 call-up. Mason Greenwood, another prodigious talent, was also part of the latest squad but I did not consider him here as he is not yet a first-team scholar, being in the younger age group. Laird, as Butt has suggested, still has a lot to learn about the defensive side of the game but he looks to have all the attributes of a modern-day full-back.

It came as a surprise to see him make such an instant impression in the Under-18s and his attacking thrust tearing up and down the flank has been a revelation, even at UEFA Youth League level, which is another year-group higher for the 16-year-old. Blessed with pace and strength, his raw attributes indicate there is much to be worked with, and he will surely only get better and better.

"His body is powerful and he's a man in that sense but he's still only 16," Butt reminded us, when asked about Laird. He has the perfect role models to watch at United in the first team and it will be intriguing to see how he performs next year - at home and in Europe.