Kobbie Mainoo, Amad and five Manchester United prospects who could influence Erik ten Hag's transfer thinking

Pre-season is a key time for academy stars to prove their worth in the first team and Manchester United are no exception.

The club have had to regularly rely on their young stars during a packed summer schedule. And a handful of youngsters have staked their claim to be part of Erik ten Hag’s plans for the upcoming season, despite the Reds bringing a couple of high-profile signings during the transfer window.

With the club preparing for two friendlies in as many days this weekend, impressive displays could prove to be the difference between an academy player heading out on loan or even convincing United not to dip back into the transfer market either this summer or in the near future. If you can bring through talent, then it can save you millions in the market.

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One young player that made a name for himself over the summer was Kobbie Mainoo. Despite suffering an injury that will see him sidelined for the next couple of months, his performances in pre-season left an impression on the United boss. The 18-year-old midfielder started four friendlies for the Reds before suffering an early injury against Real Madrid. Notably, he was not included in the youthful XI that faced Wrexham in San Diego.

Instead, his rapid rise up the pecking order was outlined by the fact he started alongside Casemiro and Mason Mount against the Spanish giants, ahead of Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen. Upon his return to fitness, it will be intriguing to see where Mainoo figures in Ten Hag’s thinking but he seems certain to be in the first team set-up.

And others will be hoping to join him. Amadwas another that looked set for a huge summer