Erik ten Hag must have focus on one underrated Manchester United starlet this summer as pre-season moves to the United States.
The Reds have now played two pre-season games against Rosenborg and Rangers – giving the young stars from the academy chances to impress Ten Hag ahead of the tour to America.
Radek Vitek, Toby Collyer and Ethan Wheatley are among those to have stood out so far, and many fans are also keen to see Harry Amass be afforded more opportunities.
However, another talented academy player could have an outside shot at convincing Ten Hag of potential first-team opportunities next season.
Maxi Oyedele has quietly been one of the most impressive players in pre-season so far. The midfielder’s excellent through ball found Joe Hugill for the second goal against Rangers.
Yet, it was his ability to beat the press from the Scottish opposition before sliding that ball in behind the backline which made the move extremely impressive.
Oyedele experienced difficulties on loans last term but has a profile and determination that could sway Ten Hag’s thinking if he includes him in the touring squad.
After Oyedele uploaded an uncaptioned Instagram post following the win over Rangers, Kobbie Mainoo responded in the comments, simply writing, “That time”.
Both of the midfielders worked closely together in the academy and Mainoo’s support will go far for his fellow 19-year-old, who cited his first-team rise as a ‘motivation’.
“You look at, like, Kobbie and Garna. Two lads breaking through from the academy, playing with them at youth cup level,” he told club media.
“So, yeah, it’s great to see, and it’s a motivation for us. So, opportunities like this are great, and, yeah, hope for more.”
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