Man Utd could be losing a “big talent” like Amad

Despite Manchester United's difficult season, there is always one area the club never fails to impress; their academy and its incredible production rate of talented youngsters and graduates in the first team squad.

Recently, Ethan Wheatley became the 250th graduate to play for United's first team, and there have been more than 4,250 consecutive games in which the matchday team has included at least one graduate, an amazing record.

Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho are two of the players who have broken into first-team recognition during Erik ten Hag's time as manager so far. Mainoo has made 27 first-team appearances so far this season, with Garnacho making 45 appearances. Both of these players also played their international matches in the last two seasons, in England and Argentina respectively.

Other success stories in Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay and Jonny Evans are three other players who have played a major role for the Ten Hag during his time as manager at the Old Trafford club so far.

However, two more academy products could leave United in the summer following the end of their contracts, including the former United's FA Cup semi-finalist against Coventry at Wembley last month.

Transfer price of Omari Forson in 2024

The first player mentioned here is Omari Forson, who was given his debut by Ten Hag earlier this season against Wigan in the third round of the FA Cup, becoming the 249th player to graduate from the academy to play for the club.

The 19-year-old has made six appearances so far this season for the Red Devils, splitting three Premier League ties and three FA Cup appearances, most recently in the semi-finals. He has one assist to his name, away to Wolves, when he set up Mainoo's excellent winning goal.

Forson's debut only came at the end of February when he was handed a surprise debut against Fulham at Old Trafford in the Premier League. Before the game, Ten Hag described Forson as “deserving of the position”.

Forson is worth just £4.2m, the same as several players in United's first-team squad, including FA Cup quarter-final hero Amad Diallo, according to Football Observatory. The England under-20 international looks set to leave Old Trafford this summer. According to the Manchester Evening News, United want to keep him at the club, but 'talks have stalled and he could leave' when his contract expires.

The Red Devils may regret failing to commit him to a new deal, given his obvious quality and ability to make it as a top-flight footballer, as well as the potential increase in his price to stay at the club this summer.

Transfer value of Shola Shoretire in 2024

Another youngster who could be on his way out of Manchester United this summer is 20-year-old midfielder Shola Shoretire.

He made history when he made his European debut for United, becoming the youngest player to feature in a continental competition, aged 17 years and 23 days. He was described as “a great talent” by reporter Rich Fay just two weeks earlier, when he signed his first professional contract.

However, Shoretire's career at United failed to take off from there, with his contract set to expire this summer. Although the club hopes he will stay, Reporter for the Manchester Evening News Steven Railston says “travel looks possible” this summer.

In total, the Newcastle-born star has made five first-team appearances for United, although he has not featured since the 2021/22 season. He also had a short loan spell at League 1 Bolton last season, where he made 16 appearances, scoring once and registering two assists.

As for the current campaign, the promising gem has once again shone through Manchester's youth ranks with nine goals and four assists in 12 appearances in all competitions.

Like Forson and Amad – who cost the club a reported £37m – Shoretire is also worth just £4.2m, although that could rise if United agree a new deal with him. It could be the case that, if he extends his stay at United, Shoretire will be loaned out for another season, rather than playing school football, which sounds like he's getting old.

Either way, there's no doubt that both Forson and Shoretire have excellent prospects, and while a short-term move away from United could help them become stronger players to start their exciting careers, it could come back to bite them at Old Trafford.