Manchester United have several academy talents tipped for greatness in their careers, but one starlet has left his coaches shocked this season.
With Manchester United’s U21 side currently the best in the country, there is unsurprising hype around multiple talents at the club.
Outside of the Shea Lacey and Jim Thwaites’ of the academy, there are also some surprising names being tipped for greatness as they continue to impress.
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Ruben Amorim has taken a liking to James Overy, while there is a 17-year-old who has been shocking his coaches this season with his rise through the ranks.
Photo by Poppy Townson – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty ImagesYuel Helafu is shocking Manchester United staff with his development
Ruben Amorim places heavy emphasis on his wing-backs, with the position seen as being vital for his team and the way the system functions.
As a result, plenty of academy talents trialled in the roles during training. This included Yuel Helafu getting a first-team training call in September.
Now, The Daily Mail has reported that the 17-year-old has left United staff shocked by his rapid rise over the past few months, catching coaches off guard with his improvement.
Helafu has stepped up into the U21 side this season with ease despite his age, and United think that they have found themselves a ‘full back diamond in the rough’.
Helafu has been so impressive for the U21s, looking like his appearances there will be a regular occurrence opposed to a one off.
Yuel Helafu could be Manchester United’s ready made Noussair Mazraoui replacement
Despite growing excitement, Helafu is likely a couple of years away from even being considered for a first-team debut, with his positional work needing serious improvements.
However, comparisons to Noussair Mazraoui are apt, with the teenager being equally good in offense and defence, just like the Moroccan.
It is very early days, but Helafu has also drawn Aaron Wan-Bissaka comparisons, with his tackling impressive which could see him become an alternative to Amad under Amorim, given the pair could offer different solutions.