Manchester United pair Joe Hugill and Charlie McNeill could be handed the opportunity to play a role tomorrow when United clash against Omonia in the Europa League.
According to the Manchester Evening News reporter Richard Fay, the pair have been training with the first team.
United are currently facing problems in the striker department after an injury setback to Anthony Martial against Everton that has now left Cristiano Ronaldo as the only other natural goalscorer in the team.
This could present a massive opportunity for McNeill and Hugill who are possible candidates to be named on the bench for the affair.
Fay reports, “The teenage strikers have both trained with the first team this week and had the chance to catch the eye of Ten Hag, a priceless opportunity to show the manager what they have to offer right now.
“United will have the luxury of naming 11 substitutes if they wish for the matchday squad. And it seems likely teenage forward Charlie McNeill will get another call-up, though it will come too soon for the returning Joe Hugill to be involved.”
McNeill, who is more likely to feature in comparison to Hugill, is not new to the competition.
He was given his debut by Ten Hag against Real Sociedad when he came off the bench.
Hugill has not played for the club’s academy this season, as he was sidelined with an injury. He is now close to action and will be buoyed by McNeill’s advancements into the first team in his absence.
As per Fay, there is a healthy rivalry between the two academy attackers who have been trying to outscore each other and become the next big thing to break into the spotlight.
The next step for the youngsters is to be promoted from the academy to the fringes of the senior team, training regularly alongside global stars like Marcus Rashford and Ronaldo.
They may need luck on their side but with the Red Devils’ problems in attack, the two could finally have a path to the big-time stage.
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