IT WAS probably just a bluster from Jose Mourinho when the Manchester United boss said he’ll consider resting key players for his side’s trip to Arsenal.
Given his fierce rivalry with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, you doubt Mourinho’s ego would allow him to give up on such a game before it’s already begun.
But maybe Mourinho will follow through. Perhaps he will leave the likes of Paul Pogba, Ander Herrera and Marcus Rashford in Manchester ahead of their Europa League semi-final second leg against Celta Vigo.
If he does, then it may give United’s youngsters a chance to shine.
Our friends at Football Whispers have identified three academy products Mourinho could turn to.
Axel Tuanzebe
Key Facts
- Position: Centre-back
- Age: 19
- Height: 6ft 1in
- England U20 International.
- Contracted to Manchester United until 2020.
- Named United’s Young Player of the Year in 2015. (others who have received this award include Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes)
- Joined United at the age of eight.
Promoted to the first-team squad by Louis van Gaal last season, 19-year-old Tuanzebe is a centre-back who Manchester United have high expectations for.
He was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo but grew up in Rochdale and was signed by United as an 11-year-old.
He progressed through the youth ranks and was named captain of the club’s Under-18s when he was only a first-year scholar.
Tuanzebe has featured heavily for the Under-23s this season and made his first-team debut as a 68th minute substitute in United’s 4-0 win over Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup.
He has been an unused substitute on five occasions in the Premier League this season but hasn’t yet made an appearance in the top flight.
That could perhaps change at the Emirates on Sunday. Tuanzebe, who has played for England Under-19s, is a strong yet quick defender who could physically compete with Danny Welbeck and Theo Walcott.
A true test of his ability would come if he started up against Olivier Giroud. It will be down to Mourinho whether he thinks Tuanzebe is ready for that challenge.
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Matthew Willock
Key Facts
- Position: Midfielder
- Age: 20
- Impressed at Manchester United U23s
- Joined 1st July 2012
- Formerly at Arsenal
- Looks to attack with key passes going forward
The attacking midfield trained with the United first-team ahead of the clash with Celta Vigo and could be handed his debut at the Emirates.
Willock joined the Red Devils in 2012 having been released by Sunday’s opponents Arsenal – his two younger brothers Chris and Joe remain in the Gunners’ academy.
He has impressed for United’s Under-23s this season, scoring goals against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium and Liverpool at Anfield. He certainly doesn’t appear daunted by the big stage.
Willock was called-up to the first team squad by Jose Mourinho earlier this month for the 0-0 draw with West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford.
He was handed the No.42 shirt but was an unused substitute as West Brom held out for a 0-0 draw.
If Mourinho plans to rest his attacking players for the return leg against Celta then Willock could be handed the chance to show the Gunners what they could’ve had.
Scott McTominay
Key Facts
- Position: Midfielder
- Age: 20
- Height: 6ft 4in
- Joined 1st July 2013
- Key in Manchester United U23s
Another youngster called-up to train with the first-team squad this week by Mourinho is Lancaster-born McTominay.
He joined United in 2013 and established himself as an intelligent central midfielder as he progressed through the academy.
McTominay has started 16 games for the Under-23s in Premier League 2 this season and has been used as a forward due to his 6ft 4ins frame. It’s a role he has adapted to well, scoring against Derby County and Sunderland.
Like Tuanzebe and Willock, McTominay has been included in the Manchester United match-day squad this season.
He was handed the 39 shirt and was named on the substitutes’ bench for last weekend’s 1-1 draw at home to Swansea City.
He wasn’t introduced despite United goal scoring issues at home but having watched a Premier League game at close quarters, perhaps Mourinho will be inclined to hand McTominay his United debut at the Emirates.
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