Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim may be quietly thinking three of his academy players can explode this season after opting against sending them out on loan. Teenagers Gabriele Biancheri, Sekou Kone and Shea Lacey have all impressed in the youth set-up at Old Trafford and appear to have a bright future at the club.
United have endured a difficult start to the new campaign, having picked up just one victory in their first three Premier League encounters. That win came last weekend as Bruno Fernandes dispatched a late penalty to help his side to a 3-2 victory over Burnley. The Red Devils had previously been held to a 1-1 draw at Fulham after losing 1-0 to Arsenal on the opening weekend of the season.
And they were humiliated by Grimsby in the Carabao Cup as they were beaten by the League Two outfit in a penalty shootout. United made a string of signings this summer as attacking trio Matheus Cunha, Bruno Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko arrived in the north west.
And the club also managed to capture goalkeeper Senne Lammens and young defender Diego Leon. But Amorim may still be inclined to give opportunities to some of the academy boys who have impressed him.
According to the Manchester Evening News, the Red Devils kept striker Biancheri, midfielder Kone and winger Lacey at the club this summer because the youngsters are viewed as players who could step up into Amorim’s first-team squad should they be needed.
The trio have all been involved in the first-team in the past and Amorim could call upon them again as the season progresses.
However, they may have to bide their time for a chance to shine as Amorim is unlikely to rotate his team much as United have no European football and are no longer playing in the Carabao Cup following their defeat against Grimsby.
Biancheri appeared to be the most likely of the trio to depart Old Trafford during the summer transfer window after reportedly attracting interest from multiple clubs in League One and League Two.
But he remained in the north west, while 10 under-21s players secured temporary exits.
The United first-team are currently enjoying a break from action while the international break runs its course.
The Red Devils will return to the pitch a week on Sunday when they travel to the Etihad Stadium for a derby clash with Manchester City.
And Amorim’s men will be able to focus their efforts on playing just one match most weeks ahead of Christmas, with their next cup match scheduled to come in January when they feature in the FA Cup third round.