Erik ten Hag is about to get the boost he thought he was getting in the summer at Man United

Manchester United have not exactly hit the ground running this season, but there is a small glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. Before we start, that has nothing to do with two stuttering takeover proposals as Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe watch on.

United have been a shambles off the pitch for way too long now, but on the field there is at least something to restore hope and pride. Nothing quite gets the pulses going for match-goers than watching an academy starlet showcase their talent at Old Trafford.

Alejandro Garnacho burst onto the scene for United last season and Erik ten Hag - just as he did with Ajax previously - has not been afraid to unleash the next generation as and when needed in first-team matches.

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His decision to start Hannibal Mejbri for the Burnley win raised one or two eyebrows pre-match, but that decision was fully vindicated when the Tunisian put in an energetic performance that helped United pick up all three points on Saturday night. In doing so, the 20-year-old seemingly jumped the queue.

Sofyan Amrabat and Mason Mount give Ten Hag added options in the engine room as United's injury crisis finally appears to be easing. However, Hannibal has perhaps leapfrogged a couple of others, such as Donny van de Beek and Scott McTominay. Both were made available for sale this summer.

Hannibal, though, is not the only youngster knocking at the door as United attempt to solve long-standing problems in central areas. Another - Kobbie Mainoo - is on the mend and not too far away from a return.

As confirmed in an Instagram post, the teenager is back training at