M.E.N. Sport reprter Stuart Mathieson checks on the progress of the latest batch.
LEE MARTIN
(Stoke City)
EARLY season loan at Rangers in Scotland did not work out and the 20-year-old winger is having an in and out time at Stoke in the championship but recently scored at the Britannia Stadium.
His attitude has impressed City boss Tony Pulis and one-time Red Danny Higginbotham.
"Lee has never moaned about being out of the team," said Tony Pulis.
"He has taken time getting to the pace, but he's a good kid." Higginbotham said Lees been brilliant and has worked hard so he's getting his rewards.
Had a very successful year at Royal Antwerp last season and bedding down at Stoke but still highly rated at Old Trafford.
JONNY EVANS
(Sunderland)
THE classy 19-year-old centre back has become a hit and the talk of Wearside since going on loan to Sunderland in January.
Ex-Reds skipper Roy Keane moved swiftly to snap up the Northern Ireland international when his hugely successful spell at Royal Antwerp ended in December.
He has been a key figure in Sunderland's march up the championship into the promotion reckoning.
"Jonny's an intelligent lad. He's a clever lad with a good footballing brain, he's one of those lads who can play anywhere and we're delighted to have him. He's a tough, tough kid and you have to remember how young he is," said Keano.
Evans, on international duty in Euro 2008 qualifiers this week, said: "I've had a good season so far, including making my international debut and if Sunderland and Antwerp both get promoted I would be delighted.
"Results wise it has been great. I don't want to tempt fate, but I didn't lose a league game at Antwerp and the only match I have lost with Sunderland was the FA Cup game against Preston.
"I am also unbeaten with Northern Ireland and that's something I want to keep going as long as I can."
Keane accepts he has no chance of persuading United to allow him to make the Evans switch permanent.
DANNY SIMPSON
(Sunderland)
ANOTHER snapped up by Roy Keane as soon as his stint in Belgium with Antwerp ended in December. The 19-year-old Salfordian has been a solid fixture at right back for the Black Cats.
Simpson is loving it playing for his ex-Old Trafford hero.
"The boss wants to get the best out of everyone, and to play under him is amazing," he said.
"He's a legend and I want to learn from him, take everything he says on board, and improve my game. The manager wants people to give 110 per cent and that's the kind of player I am."
ADAM ECKERSLEY
(Barnsley)
THE tough 21-year-old defender was on loan at Brondby at start of the season where Rene Meulensteen took him when the Reds reserve boss coached the Danish outfit.
Injury, however, limited his appearances. He's at Barnsley until end of the season and has forced a regular place at Oakwell.
RICHIE JONES
(Barnsley)
MANCUNIAN midfielder has been at United's Academy since he was nine and has made a few brief appearances in Sir Alex Ferguson's senior side. Signed a two-year Old Trafford contract extension last summer and joined Barnsley on loan in February but has not been an Oakwell regular.
BEN FOSTER
(Watford)
THE most high profile of United's loan players. Great campaign last year at Watford helping the Hornets to the Premiership and has been outstanding again at Vicarage Road this term, earning himself an England cap in the friendly with Spain at Old Trafford.
Watford boss Ady Boothroyd cant speak highly enough of the keeper.
"Ben is a terrific player. He recognises the fact he's just a cog in the wheel," he said.
"He works hard at his game, and that's why I think he'll be a future Manchester United and England No 1..
"I'm sure he will be back at Manchester United next season. He's better than Edwin Van der Sar in my opinion, but then I'm not picking the United team.
"He is going to be the best goalkeeper in the world, I'm convinced of that."
High praise indeed and Sir Alex Ferguson has already said Foster will be back at Old Trafford for next term challenging Van der Sar and Tomasz Kuszczak.
PHIL BARDSLEY
(Aston Villa)
HAD a controversial loan spell at Rangers in the SPL at the start of the season but has moved on to Aston Villa in 2007.
The Salford-born right back has had his progress blocked at Old Trafford by Gary Neville and both Villa and the player fancy making his loan permanent in the summer.
"If my future is at Aston Villa, I would be happy with that," Bardsley said.
"It depends on whether the manager wants me here or not. I will have to see how it pans out. I honestly believe Villa are moving in the right direction but I think it is time that Villa, with the stadium that they have, are moving forwards."
RYAN SHAWCROSS
(Royal Antwerp)
THE 19-year-old Chester-born defender joined United's alliance club Royal Antwerp in January and has made an immediate impression.
Antwerp's general secretary Paul Bistiaux said: "Ryan has been excellent for us. He's a tall defender and I think he has won every duel he's had in the air."
DARRON GIBSON
(Royal Antwerp)
THE dispute over his international qualification for Northern Ireland or the Republic has been concluded and the Derry-born midfielder is on duty for Eire.
His impressive form for Antwerp this term won the 19-year-old the call to Steven Staunton's senior side.
"He has been a great success for Antwerp," said Bistiaux.
"He's strong and has great pinpoint passing ability. It's no surprise he is a full international."
Has already had a brief United senior outing and has a very good chance of making it at Old Trafford.
FRAZIER CAMPBELL
(Royal Antwerp)
THE 19-year-old Huddersfield-born hitman has had an immediate impact in Belgium this season.
Bistiaux said: "He is top scorer for us in the Belgium Second Division with 21 goals. He's a natural goalscorer and his pace is incredible. His goals have played a large part in securing a play-off place and we are hoping they might even take us to automatic promotion."
DAVID GRAY
(Royal Antwerp)
GRAY, back at Old Trafford after his loan spell at Antwerp which began in January was cut short through injury, is out for the season.
GIUSEPPE ROSSI
(Parma)
LIKE Jonny Evans and Ben Foster the American-born striker is a cert to have an Old Trafford future.
Loan spell at Newcastle in first half of the campaign was not as successful as expected and Glenn Roeder hardly used him.
But he has impressed in Italy at Parma the club United bought him from. His goals have been helping Parma fight relegation from Serie A.
Parma coach Stefano Pioli is delighted with the 20-year-old. "Rossi has done well," he said. "He has played with great intensity and quality. We knew that he would help us.
"He is a kid who has the right mentality who wants to have a good career working hard and I know he can give us a lot."
Giuseppe added: "I'm young and I want to play, that is why I decided to go on loan to Parma. I want to play as much as possible."
With an impressive scoring pedigree for United reserves, he is earmarked for a senior crack next term.
GERARD PIQUE
(Real Zaragoza)
ALONG with Rossi the Spaniard was another hit in the reserves last season who outgrew that level of football.
With his senior route to Old Trafford's first team clogged with more experienced performers the ex-Barcelona youth product went back to La Liga this season.
Has impressed so much at the Estadio La Romareda that the Spanish outfit want him permanently in the summer.
Pique's agent Arturo Canales said the player is interested in moving to Zaragoza.
"We are discussing details," said Canales. "Both Zaragoza and the player are interested in a permanent deal."
The loan is turning out to be a success for everybody concerned.
But the 20-year-old is shelving his decision until the end of the season.
"My dream is still to play in the Premier League and to be a regular," he said.
"But if the option is the second team, I prefer to continue with Zaragoza. For me the subject is on stand-by until the end of the season. I am calm about my future."
DANNY ROSE
(Oxford)
THE 19-year-old midfielder and ex-United reserve skipper joined Jim Smith's Conference side for a month earlier in the year but has extended the deal to the end of the campaign.
"I didn't have to come here, but me Sir Alex thought it would be good for me," said Danny.
Which of these players do you expect ot make the grade at Old Trafford? Have your say. Tweet
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Interesting article. Thanks for that.
My own opinion would be to divide them up into players who probably have a future at United, players who possibly have a future and players who are unlikely:
Probables:
Rossi
Evans
Possibles:
Pique
Martin
Gibson
Campbell
Simpson
And, I'm afraid all the rest are in the "unlikely" camp.
In terms of youngsters still at the club, I would add Kieran Lee, Fabien Brandy, Galbraith, Fhangzou and Cathcart to the possibles.
Fagan is a fellow Dub, so I'm a bit biased, but he seems to be developing a bit of an eye for goal, has great vision and might just squeeze in as my last "possible".
This may all seem a bit pessimistic (which is unusual for me!) but when you're up against Chavski, I don't think it's possible to bring many youngsters through the ranks and still compete for the league (just ask Arsene Wenger)
This is a real shame but, unless we're prepared to put up with a few trophyless seasons, we don't have a choice. And I doubt the Glazers' business plan will tolerate anything other than challenging for trophies on all fronts, year in, year out.
The worry about sending the players out is rossi,bardsley,pique etc not wanting to come back.
Edinburgh Red, I hear what you say as it relates to Rossi (because he has effectively gone home) but surely they would all prefer a shot at becoming a regular at one of the world's most famous clubs. I was surprised by Bardsley's comments but maybe they were made in realisation of the fact that Danny Simpson may pip him to being Neville's replacement? Personally, I've been impressed by Bardsley and seen less of Simpson so I can't really judge. And Pique may be in his homeland but surely he would not choose Zaragoza ahead of United? Unfortunately, he is behind Rio and Vidic (who will both be there for a few years yet), plus Brown and possibly Evans as well so he may be thinking he would be better to move on.
Mick,
Wouldn't disagree with you with the exception I think Foster will be a definite to make it.
D'oh! Cheers, Duggers, I forgot about Foster. File him under "almost definite"
Mick I am sure you didn't intentionally leave out Foster as he is probably a definite! Other then that pretty much agree
Foster & Evans will do veryu very well for United. Evans especially excites me. With Vidic, Rio, Evans, we're covered for a few years, so Pique who never did much for me can go. The intriguing one is Rossi. I'm not sure if we're missing a trick here. If I were him and SAF was prepared to put a genuine, 100% donkey like Smith before me, I'd not see my future at United for sure. But he had the promise so will he eventually turn out to be another little Scholesy? The rest of the on-loaner's are also-rans that bathe in the light of United but who have nothing to offer United but something to offer Football at the lowe levels.
Pique is a huge worry..With Rio, Vidic, Brown and, I don't believe it myself, Silvestre ahead of him, how is he gonna fit in to our plans next season? If, like he says, he wants to play regular football next season, then I am afraid he's on his way out..
Tsh, Tsh, Mick, that's not like you to be so negative, though I can see your reasoning. I think that after their successful years in our reserves, plus toughening up / getting a taste for first team action away, we have a very interesting crop ready to harvest...
Definites: Evans, Foster, Rossi
Maybe Definites: Fhangzhou, Brandy, Simpson or Bardsley (one or the other, the other to leave)
Probables: Pique, Gibson, Campbell, Fagan
Possibles: Eckersley, Shawcross, Cathcart, Galbraith
Maybes: Gray, Rose
Unlikely (but still possible boys): Martin, Jones
Based on VDS's age I think Foster has a chance and possibly next season.Evans for all his reported talent is unproven at top level and I think he will find it very difficult now to get between Ferdinand and Vidic and may opt for a season long loan at Sunderland assuming they get promoted, rather than sit on our bench occasionally.This I think, would be a good move for him and the club as it would give both parties the opportunity to assess whether he can really cut-it in the PL.
I dont think the rest have a long term future at the club inc the skilful but very lightweight Rossi.
'fraid I'm less optimistic than some of you:
Probable: Foster, Evans
Possible: Rossi, Simpson
Unlikely: everyone else.
The stakes are higher than ever, and as people have pointed out, players have no time to settle and develop. If we lose a game or two, the crowd and us on this site are up in arms demanding people be dropped or sacked.
It is a problem - no time usually given to "settle in". Fergie has allowed players to go to allow others to push on. Robbo so Keane can come through, Ince - Scholes. In terms of talent I have no worries about Rossi, Pique, Foster or Evans and deem those most likely to succeed (keep an eye on Campbell's ascent). If you look now all 4 would be worthy of a squad place - but all are beyond reserve team football. So what do you do? Bench vDS, Rio or Vidic to play Foster, Evans or Pique? Rossi for Rooney? If it went wrong how long before the daggers are out? It is tricky when the cliche "the bar has been raised" keeps reoccurring. To get and keep a 1st team place at United in the long-term for a kid these days is nigh on impossible. Rooney and Ronie have managed - but they are exceptional and were not priced as kids. You have to be fair and if they get to 22 or so and cannot dislodge anyone form the 1st team or be a vital member then they have to go - you cannot have everyone (Something Real Madrid and Chelsea need to learn). We have had Platt and Beardsley in the past who we let go for nothing and who went on to be top performers. If we let Rossi, Foster, Pique and Evans go for (say) a combined £15m and freed up their career we would be "shrewd" if they ended up mediocre, but should they go on to be top players worth a combined £50m the club would then be castigated by the fans. Either way the club cannot win - but must still do what they feel is the best thing for the club and its players. Our youth development has 2 sides - try to develop players good enough to play for the United 1st team and to develop players good enough for other 1st teams and sell them on for a suitable fee. Half a million here and a million there all contribute to revenues.
Good post, Steve. Tempted to cut and paste and pretend I came up with it myself but figured you wouldn't fall for the same trick twice! ;)
I think Foster has a definate chance of making a career at OT but unsure about the rest.
Evans is a fantastic prospect but with Rio, Wes and Vidic all being under 30 he is going to find it hard to become a regular. I do agree that maybe a full season at Sunderland next year should they get promoted would benefit all parties and see how it takes to top league football.
Out of all the defenders mentioned i think only him and Cathcart have the slighest chance of making it at Utd. Pique is a decent player but not in the same class as the central defenders we already have. Saying that tho, Evans, Pique, Cathcart, Bardsley, Simpson, even Mal Donaghy should be ahead of donkey Silvestre in the queue!!
Midfield wise, with Hargreaves and one other maybe set to come in in the summer it'll be difficult for anyone to break thru. With Giggsy's age then any left sided player would have a chance but despite all his promise, Lee Martin doesn't seem to be progressing as we'd hoped. Bit like Fletched, top class as a 16 yr old but just never progressed. No one has mentioned Eagles yet, i think he deserves a place in the squad ahead of Richardson.
Up front, with Solskjaer's age, Smith not being a natural scorer and Saha being made of glass we definatley need a couple of strikers, but whether Rossi or Campbell would be able to hit 15 - 20 prem goals a season is very doubtful. Altho Rossi deserves a run of games in the 1st team. Maybe a bit clear out is needed at youth level....
Am I the only one who has great belief in Lee Martin ?