Man United have lost a generation of academy stars, fans will be upset

Manchester United have had a rich history of producing starring talents over the years and that tradition did not fail even in a decade defined by mediocrity.

However, Old Trafford has become a graveyard for bright prospects, with several wonderkids failing to escape the trap of instability.

Here we look at a generation of talent United have lost over the last few years due to the struggles of the club both on and off the field.

Anthony Elanga

Elanga made his senior United debut in 2021 under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

His blistering pace was his biggest quality, but managerial changes did not help him develop further.

Despite getting chances, Elanga was not able to make the most of them like many other youngsters in an unstable environment.

In 2023, he left for Nottingham Forest before sealing a sensational £55 million move to Newcastle United this summer.

With Alexander Isak gone, the 23-year-old now has the perfect platform to establish himself as the Magpies’ new talisman.

Alvaro Carreras

Alvaro Fernandez Carreras never made his senior debut for the Red Devils despite being rated very highly in the academy.

Former United manager Erik ten Hag’s decision to let him leave was baffling and remains one of his biggest managerial blunders.

The exciting full-back shone at Benfica before completing a dream transfer to Real Madrid this summer.

At just 22, he already possesses the attacking flair and composure that any elite side craves in a left-back.

He could have served Old Trafford for a decade but never got the chance he so richly deserved.

Mason Greenwood

Greenwood’s story is the most complicated of all.

He debuted at just 17, quickly establishing himself as Carrington’s crown jewel of the past decade.

Equally lethal on either foot, able to play across the frontline, and blessed with devastating finishing, he looked destined for superstardom.

However, the club were left with no choice but to sell him after he was charged with attempted rape, controlling behaviour, and assault.

He joined Marseille in 2024, reviving his career away from the intense spotlight of United.

Marcus Rashford

Marcus Rashford was once the poster boy for United, bursting onto the scene under Louis van Gaal and thriving under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

He was also bestowed with Rooney’s iconic number 10 jersey.

Years of inconsistency and a toxic club culture left his potential unfulfilled.

The England international was shipped out on loan to Barcelona after falling out of favour with Ruben Amorim this summer.

The expectations is for him to join the La Liga giants permanently next June.

Rashford was supposed to be the leader of United’s new era, but off-field distractions and poor club culture left him adrift.

Alejandro Garnacho

United fans once chanted “Viva Garnacho” in Cristiano Ronaldo fashion, treating him like the heir to the throne.

The 21-year-old completed his £40m move to Chelsea, becoming the most expensive sale of an academy star at United.

Losing Garnacho is a real loss for the club but after taking public shots at the manager, INEOS had to show their backing for Amorim.

He is a future superstar but only if he can keep his head straight and learn to let his football do the talking.

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .