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Manchester United’s academy is on a real hot streak right now, and another talent could be positioning himself to be academy graduate number five this season.
Michael Carrick is positioning himself well to become the next permanent manager at Manchester United, with his commitment to playing youth considered a massive bonus.
Carrick gave Tyler Fletcher his United debut last weekend, which is a potential solution to the midfield questions this summer.
Now, United have a striker emerging through the ranks that looks set to become an absolute goal machine for the Red Devils.
He might even be the next Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
WHO is Manchester United’s best ever academy graduate?🔥
Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images Louie Bradbury could be Manchester United’s next Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
2026 is only around 10% done, but already the academy’s standout performer is clearly Louie Bradbury, with the Welsh youth international scoring for fun at whatever level he is used.
Bradbury has two in two for the U21s, while he has six for the U18s this season, with four in his last three games.
Photo by Poppy Townson – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
This incredible goal record saw Bradbury impress as Carrick watched on, scoring levels above his age group, with the natural goalscoring instinct that Solskjaer once graced Old Trafford with.
The youngster already has an impressive knack for being in the correct place at the right time, being a real poacher in the box, just like Solskjaer.
Like the Norwegian, Bradbury is a smaller striker and more reliant on using his intelligent positioning to beat defenders, opposed to dueling with them.
Bradbury also looks younger than he is, which could soon see the ‘baby-faced assassin’ moniker bestowed upon him if the goals keep flowing.
Does Louie Bradbury have more potential than Chido Obi?
In terms of pure goals right now, he might be United’s best academy striker…
Getty Images. Michael Carrick could use Louie Bradbury as back-up striker
Michael Carrick currently has Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo as his two primary striker options, but in games where United are chasing a goal, Bradbury could be an excellent player to have on the bench.
Like Solskjaer under Sir Alex Ferguson, Bradbury just has a knack for scoring goals regardless of whether he starts or has five minutes to make his mark.
Having a pure number nine who will lurk in the six-yard box and score easy goals could be exactly what United need in certain games, such as the 1-1 draw with West Ham.
So if he continues scoring and becomes undeniable, we cannot rule out Bradbury stepping up very soon, or even being a gift for the next head coach.
Having scored at every level, first team is the logical next step.
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