Man Utd’s incredible future XI with Kai Rooney, JJ Gabriel and £65m sensation | Football | Sport

Manchester United appear transformed since Michael Carrick took the reins as interim manager in January. Carrick has propelled the Red Devils into genuine contention for a top-four finish after securing five victories and one draw from his opening six fixtures at the helm. Spirits at Carrington are understandably lifted as the squad hopes to have finally reversed course following several disappointing campaigns.

Contributing to this renewed optimism is Carrick’s commitment to reinstating the famed ‘United DNA’, which encompasses thrilling, attack-minded football. Another crucial element is nurturing homegrown talent from the academy, a tradition deeply embedded in the club’s identity long before the Class of ’92 emerged, and one Carrick seems determined to uphold.

Recent performances and his footballing approach suggest a promising future at Old Trafford, where gifted academy prospects can blend with established first-team performers and incoming recruits to restore United amongst the elite.

Express Sport has taken a look at what the United squad might realistically look like in five years’ time should they maintain their current momentum, with particular emphasis on their emerging academy talents.

The 23-year-old Belgian goalkeeper arrived for £18.2million last summer, recruited as a long-term first-choice custodian in the mould of David de Gea back in 2011. So far, Lammens looks like an excellent acquisition, and United supporters will be hoping he continues to develop over the coming years.

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Brentford’s Kayode would represent the perfect right-back to eventually succeed Diogo Dalot. The 21-year-old Italian possesses explosive pace, tireless forward runs, outstanding one-on-one defensive capabilities and a unique asset in his enormous throw-ins.

The 20-year-old Yoro is still discovering what’s required to become an elite Premier League centre-half, though the Frenchman has time on his side. Acquired for £52.2m in 2024, Yoro is clearly regarded as United’s long-term defensive foundation.

Tottenham captain Romero is reportedly seeking an exit from the north London outfit, and United would be wise to secure his services this summer. The Argentine World Cup winner has considerable experience despite being just 27 years old, positioning him as the ideal figure to provide balance to a youthful, talented backline.

A transfer fee of approximately £50m might to be sufficient to capture Romero.

Amass ranks amongst the most gifted United academy prospects in recent memory and could finally provide a long-term replacement for Luke Shaw. The 18-year-old possesses excellent technical ability and demonstrates progressive qualities in possession.

If his loan stint at Norwich City proves successful, there’s every possibility Amass could establish himself as United’s first-choice left-back.

Five years from now, Mainoo will be just 26. The England international has already accumulated substantial experience in high-pressure fixtures and has been reintegrated under Carrick, who admires Mainoo’s resistance to pressing and capacity to navigate through congested areas.

United’s entire midfield philosophy could be built around the former academy standout, and he is the most likely long-term captaincy candidate in this squad.

Whilst Mainoo would operate as the more attacking component of the midfield partnership, long-standing target Wharton, 22, could arrive as the primary deep-lying playmaker, dictating rhythm in the manner Carrick once did during his prime.

With Crystal Palace’s fortunes declining this campaign significantly, the Englishman is reportedly valued at approximately £65m, presenting an ideal moment to secure his services for Old Trafford.

Lacey, 18, currently represents the crown jewel of United’s academy system. The left-footed talent, who made his senior debut in December, offers considerable versatility across wide positions, though his creative instincts position him as the ideal long-term heir to Bruno Fernandes.

The son of United legend Wayne Rooney, Kai is hoping to reach the first team, having entered United’s academy at 11. Now 16, he still requires physical development to secure his place in the starting XI, but he’s already catching the eye with his astute off-the-ball movement from the right flank, cutting inside and displaying a composed finishing technique.

JJ Gabriel ranks amongst the academy’s most talented youngsters. The 15-year-old is raw and electrifying, bringing that same fearlessness on the wing that a certain Cristiano Ronaldo exhibited more than two decades ago.

Summer acquisition Sesko has increasingly resembled the player United battled to secure last summer as the campaign has progressed. Still just 22, the Slovenian’s stature and striking prowess could render his £66.2m transfer fee a bargain in five years’ time.

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