Man Utd have taken a clutch of young players on their pre-season tour to America
Bendito Mantato has travelled to the USA with Man United
Ruben Amorim has taken several Manchester United academy prospects across the pond for the clubs pre-season tour of the United States.
The Reds are in America for three fixtures against Premier League opposition as they prepare for the new season. United take on West Ham in their first fixture before matches against Bournemouth and Everton.
And while the trip will be centred around honing United’s first team squad ahead of the new campaign, it is also an opportunity for youngsters to stake their claim.
Amorim has shown he is prepared to offer the next generation an opportunity with Chido Obi, Ayden Heaven and Tyler Fredricson given first team minutes last term. That trio are in America but there are seven others coming through the ranks who will be hoping they can break through.
We take a look at who those may be…
Reece Munro
The defender was part of the post-season tour in Asia. He started against the ASEAN All-Stars, playing the first half before being replaced by Tyler Fredricson, with roles reversed during the game with Hong Kong.
Munro captained the club’s under-18s several times last season while also stepping up to the under-21s from February. The 18-year-old signed his first professional contract over the summer.
Jack Fletcher
The midfielder played a key part for the Under-18s last season and also showed his capabilities in the EFL Trophy.
He is an exciting talent and has been involved in first team squads, with Amorim having been impressed with the 18-year-old’s ability and mentality.
Bendito Mantato
The teenager was handed an opportunity off the bench against Leeds last month, highlighting his progress under Amorim.
The 17-year-old has caught the eye of the United chief and has the capability to play at wing back having played at full back and out wide in the academy.
Sekou Kone
The 18-year-old defensive midfielder arrived at United to some fanfare with the Reds having paid £1 million to sign him from Guidars FC.
United have earmarked him as a player who has first team potential but they are not going to rush the youngster’s development and will give him time to adapt to English football.
Sekou Kone(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)Ethan Williams
The 19-year-old was a late call-up to the touring squad and still remains likely to head out on loan this season having gained experience at Cheltenham in League Two last term.
He scored twice in eight starts for the Robins and is attracting transfer interest once again from the EFL. He will hope to create an impression on tour and make the most of the opportunity.
Born in Manchester, the forward has featured in the EFL Trophy, FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League for United.
Dermot Mee
The goalkeeper is now 22 but amid uncertainty around the senior group of stoppers at Old Trafford, might have an eye on a debut in the coming campaign.
Andre Onana is currently injured while Altay Bayindir has struggled to convince since signing and Tom Heaton is now 39.
Northern Ireland’s Mee has trained regularly with the first team keepers at United and will hope to continue to progress at senior level.
Will Murdock
The 18-year-old goalkeeper has caught the eye in the academy and was first choice at under-18 level last season.
The Yorkshire stopper will likely remain at Old Trafford this term to continue his progress having caught the eye of staff.
“We were speaking earlier about Will and the steady progression that he has shown throughout the season. He has always been someone that we think has got good potential,” said Adam Lawrence after United lost in the FA Youth Cup semi-finals to Aston Villa last season.