Manchester United’s academy has played a key role in their success over the years, as seen by their infamous Class of 92, with such a crop of players helping the Red Devils reach new heights.
The quintet played a huge role in Sir Alex Ferguson’s success at Old Trafford, but it’s safe to say the players who have made the jump in recent times have failed to reach such levels.
Marcus Rashford may have racked up over 100 goals during his time in the first time, but his attitude has led to his demise, resulting in various loan spells away from his boyhood outfit.
He spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, before linking up with LaLiga champions Barcelona on a season-long loan for the 2025/26 campaign.
However, he’s not the only academy star who has seen his future come into question over recent months, with another player close to the exit door in recent days.
Kobbie Mainoo’s potential exit from United this summer
After his dream 2023/24 campaign, which saw an FA Cup final goal and a late strike against rivals Liverpool – no United fan would have imagined how Kobbie Mainoo’s time at the club would transpire.
The 20-year-old only made 25 Premier League appearances last season, 19 of which were from a starting role, with Ruben Amorim favouring other options in the midfield department.
He’s only featured in 45 minutes of league action so far this campaign, leading to the player himself coming out and stating he wanted a move away from Old Trafford before the recent transfer deadline.
Any move would’ve only been a temporary switch away from the Red Devils, but the club refused to let him leave, which has resulted in the player needing to fight for his place in the starting eleven.
Despite the window closing, the youngster’s future still remains up in the air, with another former academy graduate slipping through their clutches a couple of years ago.
The £500k United star who could’ve been the dream Mainoo replacement
Despite the success of the aforementioned talents, numerous United youngsters have struggled to make their own impact on the first team – subsequently having to leave the club to make a name for themselves.
James Garner is just one example, leaving the Red Devils to join Everton back in the summer of 2022, before going on to nail his place in their starting eleven in recent seasons.
He’s racked up just shy of 88 appearances for the Toffees – scoring three times, including in the opening game at their new stadium against Brighton and Hove Albion.
The Englishman isn’t alone in that deportment, with midfielder Maxi Oyedele unable to break into the first-team, despite joining the Red Devils at the age of just eight.
He spent 11 years within the academy ranks, having multiple loan spells with the likes of Forest Green Rovers and Altrincham – but it wasn’t enough to catapult him into the senior side.
The board took the decision to permanently offload him last summer, allowing the 20-year-old to join Polish side Legia Warsaw – for a measly fee of just £500k.
Such a move allowed the midfielder, who’s been labelled “fantastic” by Bruno Fernandes, to make 24 appearances last campaign – five of which came in the Europa Conference League.
Games played
16
Minutes played
985
Pass accuracy
86%
Dribble success
69%
Tackles won
1.9
Duels won
5.9
Aerials won
1.1
Interceptions made
1.6
As a result of his impressive underlying stats, he secured a move to French side Strasbourg this summer, with the Ligue 1 outfit paying £5.2m for his signature.
If Oyedele continues his development in France, it would be no surprise to see him join Chelsea in the near future – especially given his current side are also owned by the same group as Enzo Maresca’s outfit.
The decision to sell him could prove to be a mistake in the years ahead, especially given the recent struggles at Old Trafford, which have been endured during the Amorim reign.
Given Mainoo’s current situation, he could leave the Red Devils in the years ahead – subsequently leaving a huge hole in the heart of the side and one that Oyedele could’ve filled had he remained at the club.