5 players who are could be the future of Manchester United

Manchester United's history of promoting youth players and providing opportunities to promising youngsters is well documented. The Red Devils' famous academy output has reduced in recent years. However, Ralf Rangnick's side still feature homegrown players such as Scott McTominay in their starting lineup.

Previous rising stars such as Angel Gomes and Tahith Chong, touted as the future faces of the club, did not bloom into world-beaters as was expected. However, with the likes of Ethan Laird and Hannibal Mejbri making rapid progress, there is renewed hope that United could once again produce superstar players.

The potential departures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Pogba could see Manchester United turn to younger stars

There is no doubt that Manchester United are nearing the end of an unsuccessful cycle. The futures of Paul Pogba, Cristiano Ronaldo, Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic, Edinson Cavani, Phil Jones, Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial are all uncertain.

United will likely boast a significantly revamped squad after the next few transfer windows. With many ageing and unsettled players potentially heading out the door, here's a look at five stars who could go on to become the future of the Red Devils.

#5 Jadon Sancho

Jadon Sancho has shown signs of finding form at Manchester United.

Manchester United's £73 million star signing Jadon Sancho has extensive experience of top flight and Champions League football. In over 130 appearances for Borussia Dortmund, he has scored 50 goals and assisted 64 times. It's easy to forget Sancho is still only 21.

The English winger has ample room for improvement, and at least a decade of high-level football left in him. Sancho has endured a difficult few months at Old Trafford. However, he is finally showing glimpses of the form that has made him arguably the most in-demand commodity in world football.

#4 James Garner

Manchester United's James Garner (right) in action during the Carabao Cup

The glaring lack of a defensive midfielder has been pinpointed as the main weakness in Manchester United's star-studded squad this season. Various options have been floated about, such as the expensive Declan Rice and Portuguese import Ruben Neves.

Manchester United might, however, not look too far for a solution. Talented 20-year-old midfielder James Garner has continued to impress on loan at Nottingham Forest. The youngster has been involved with United's first team since the summer of 2018. He has already made his debut for the club, as well as the England U21 side.

Blessed with a keen eye for a pass and the ability to stick a foot in and break plays, Garner could be the answer to a long-standing problem at Manchester United.

#3 Amad Diallo

Manchester United winger Amad Diallo (right) in action

Eyebrows were raised when Manchester United splurged £37 million on 18-year-old Amad Diallo ahead of the 2020-21 season. With only 76 minutes of first-team action behind him at the time, the scepticism was understandable.

However, Diallo has settled into the Manchester United setup well. Although it is highly likely he'll need a loan spell or two under his belt, there have been consistent flashes of potential.

The Ivorian winger has already made nine appearances for the Red Devils. He is expected to become a staple at Old Trafford for a long time to come.

#2 Mason Greenwood

Manchester United's Mason Greenwood celebrates after netting a goal.

Former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer named Mason Greenwood as the club's 'most natural finisher' ahead of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford. There is no doubt the 20-year-old is a special talent. The English striker has already made over 120 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 34 goals.

Evoking comparisons with the legendary Robin van Persie, the sky appears to be the limit for the young Greenwood. Blessed with a hammer of a left foot, blistering pace and clever movement, the United star made his England debut last year.

#1 Marcus Rashford

Manchester United vs Crystal Palace - Premier League

Marcus Rashford's Manchester United and England career has gone slightly off the rails in the last 12 months.

He is considered a genuine contender to break the Red Devils' all-time scoring and appearances records. Rashford has played 283 times for the club, and has only recently turned 24.

Since breaking onto the scene in the second half of the 2015-16 season, Rashford has scored 91 goals and assisted 57 times for United. He is also closing in on 50 appearances for England, having scored 12 times.

The next few months will be crucial for Rashford. Hailed for his tremendous off-field work and contribution to child welfare, the Red Devils star has struggled with injuries of late. There is also uncertainty about his best position and whether he's more of a winger than a centre-forward.

Rashford lost his place in the England starting XI, and barely featured at Euro 2020 until the fateful penalty shootout in the final against Italy. Fortunately, he has found the net regularly for Manchester United since his recent return from shoulder surgery.

If Marcus Rashford can get his career back on track, he could soon go on to become England and Manchester United's main man for the next few years.