Our homegrown academy promoted prospects

[Dark Savante]

So we have:

Jonny Evans
Danny Simpson
Darron Gibson
Danny Welbeck
Fraizer Campbell

All coming through at the same time. Welbeck, being only 17, is obviously the odd one out as the rest came up together whilst he has jumped the ranks to be in with them.

It's odd in one way; at least 3 of those players should make it here, all 5 could, but it probably isn't likely. I talked, in great detail, about all of these players when I was doing the reserve reviews and said at the time they were the chosen bunch who would make it (with Pique, Rossi and Jones) I think they've all developed as expected from that time and you're all getting to see them now.

So my questions are these:

1. If only two of those players make it here, who would you personally want to succeed?

2. Of that bunch, who do you think is a certainty to make it?

3. Who do you think is a certainty not to make it, as in, be leaving the club some time in the next year or two?

4. We still have needs in the squad, and between this lot and the influx of foreign prospects, all holes can be filled from within. Would you prefer to see that or would you want us to buy because you want bona fide certainty in a proven player rather than taking the risks to develop these players?

5. Outside of Jonny Evans, which of these players has impressed you enough for you to think they can make it in some capacity here?

6. Who is the longest and most unlikely shot to make it here from that bunch?

Have at it.

[Vermont Red]

1. If only two of those players make it here, who would you personally want to succeed?

If only two can make it then I want Evans and Campbell. I want Evans because he could hold down a spot at the heart of the United defense for at least ten years. That kind of continuity pays dividends offensively as well as defensively. I want Campbell to make it because forwards are so expensive and growing our own could save United a lot of money.

2. Of that bunch, who do you think is a certainty to make it?

The one that seems a certainty is Evans. True his way is blocked by (arguably) the best central defensive partnership in England (Europe, the world), but he seems to be close to the required level now, only needing matches, and he appears to be closer to featuring regularly more than the others.

3. Who do you think is a certainty not to make it, as in, be leaving the club some time in the next year or two?

I worry that Simpson will be on his way out. We already have Brown at RB and given Fergie's infatuation with Rafio, Simpson may be the odd man out. Not to mention that players like Hargreaves, Fletcher and Neville can fill in at RB if needed.

4. We still have needs in the squad, and between this lot and the influx of foreign prospects, all holes can be filled from within. Would you prefer to see that or would you want us to buy because you want bona fide certainty in a proven player rather than taking the risks to develop these players?

I'd rather we developed from within, if only to blunt all the annoying arguments that United only wins because of money. In addition, from a purist standpoint there is something immensely satisfying about developing your own world class players. Plus, none of them will be diving prissy kittens.

5. Outside of Jonny Evans, which of these players has impressed you enough for you to think they can make it in some capacity here?

I haven't see enough of anyone to answer this.

6. Who is the longest and most unlikely shot to make it here from that bunch?

Ordinarily I'd say Campbell because its hard for a forward to make it. That being said, it looks like Simpson may be the longest shot due to the reasons mentioned above. Gibson may have a less impressive body of work thus far, but central midfielders who can retain the ball, pass and shoot are always useful.

[Republic of Mancunia]

1. Simpson and Welbeck.
2. Evans
3. Tricky. Initial thought would be Gibson. Wouldn't be shocked if Blackburn or Spurs ended up making the loans of Simpson or Campbell permanant eventually, or if someone else took a punt. Perhaps more likely with Simpson who's now got Rafael in the mix. Not sure if Rafael will actually be loaned out as is the norm for the youngsters these days. Getting a fair chunk of action as it is.
4. Depends on how risky the risk is. ;)
5. Campbell
6. Gibson

[sdotsom]

1. Frazier Campbell and Johnny Evans.

2. Johnny Evans.

3. Either Simpson or Gibson, leaning towards Gibson. Central Midfield is a hard position to break into, so initially I'd think Gibson. But the absence of any comments regarding Simpson by Fergie (that I can think of), combined with his effusive gushing over Rafael and continued insistence to play Gaz, make me think that Simpson will get packed off ala Bardsley. Gibbo won't be far though - he's stalled the last few years, with poor/average loan spells, and his time of reckoning can't be far. With the impending departure of Scholes, the weakness of Hargreaves, etc Gibbo may actually get a few more shots to impress - he better take them.

4. I'm always for raising out the academy, and considering that there's been quite a dearth in that department as of late (departures of Bardsley, Rossi, Pique, Eagles, etc), I'd like to see that happen. We can't really claim much in terms of "homegrown" anymore amongst the players usually up for consideration in the starting XI.

5. Frazier Campbell, I think anyway.

6. Think this question is pretty much the same as 3, I think...so I'm going with Simpson.

[Invincible]

1. If only two of those players make it here, who would you personally want to succeed?

If I was forced to have only 2 of them succeed, they would be Welbeck and Evans.

2. Of that bunch, who do you think is a certainty to make it?

Evans and Welbeck for sure, Sir Alex seems to also think that seeing as he's going out of his way to cater to them both.

3. Who do you think is a certainty not to make it, as in, be leaving the club some time in the next year or two?

Probably Campbell, I can't see him hanging around for much longer with so much striking options at our disposal and especially if Tevez(by some miracle) signs on.

4. We still have needs in the squad, and between this lot and the influx of foreign prospects, all holes can be filled from within. Would you prefer to see that or would you want us to buy because you want bona fide certainty in a proven player rather than taking the risks to develop these players?

I would rather we take the risks and fill any needs we have from within. We can certainly do so with a number of impressive defenders, central midfielders and strikers at all levels.
5. Outside of Jonny Evans, which of these players has impressed you enough for you to think they can make it in some capacity here?

Welbeck has certainly impressed me, especially with his level of technique. He could comfortably slot into the first team(at 17!!!?) if it wasn't for inexperience and maybe strength. When he fills out he'll be a nightmare to deal with.

6. Who is the longest and most unlikely shot to make it here from that bunch?

I'd say Campbell because of the sheer amount of people ahead of him.

[johno]

Jonny Evans
Danny Simpson
Darron Gibson
Danny Welbeck
Fraizer Campbell

So my questions are these:

1. If only two of those players make it here, who would you personally want to succeed?

This is a very tough question. Based on our needs, Gibson and Campbell would be the ones best suited to our purposes me thinks. However heart over head I'd say Evans and Campbell. Really it should be 3, but I think you've done it this way intentionally to make it hard.

2. Of that bunch, who do you think is a certainty to make it?

AFAIC Evans has no business being linked with that lot. There are question marks about the lot of them, but with him the only question is are we stupid enough not to groom him and thus force him to leave ala Rossi.

3. Who do you think is a certainty not to make it, as in, be leaving the club some time in the next year or two?

Gibson and Campbell to a lesser extent. Gibson because he's talented but has got too much talent in front of him and has shown a lack of application which is inexcusable in a youngster with his talent and skill set. Campbell because we're stacked at forward and he's in the shop window. If he was content to stay as a loanee/squadie he'd be fine, but the offers will come in and he'll be off in 2 years if we don't make time to develop him which we likely wont.

4. We still have needs in the squad, and between this lot and the influx of foreign prospects, all holes can be filled from within. Would you prefer to see that or would you want us to buy because you want bona fide certainty in a proven player rather than taking the risks to develop these players?

Truth be told, I'd rather we mortgage success for 1 or 2 seasons against security in the future. I'd much rather we give Evans, Campbell, Simpson and to a lesser extent Gibson their chances this season and next. Welbeck can wait. He can get the occasional appearance but at 17 unless he starts doing ridiculous things routinely he'll have to wait his turn based on the talent we've got.

5. Outside of Jonny Evans, which of these players has impressed you enough for you to think they can make it in some capacity here?

Simpson. He's got the application, the physical tools and the smarts to be a very very good FB and imo he'd be the best all round FB at the club bar Evra right now if Fergie would give him a shot.

6. Who is the longest and most unlikely shot to make it here from that bunch?

Right now it is probably Simpson. Simply because he is PL ready RIGHT now but he needs experience to become what he can be and he wont get it at United now that Fergie has a hardon for Rafa. When you consider the limited action Neville and Brown have got in this 3 man rotation at 1 position, it looks very grim for Simpson who is the Tevez of this lot, bar Evans. In that he may not have the 10s as you say, but he'll rack up the 7s and 8s without fail.

[benni...]

1. If only two of those players make it here, who would you personally want to succeed?

Jonny Evans :- Rio still has a ways to go, but lord knows when he's done Evans seems like the perfect player to step in. Even if he doesnt get a staggering amount of games with us, he will play many crucial world cup qualifiers for Northern Ireland and that experience can help for someone so young.

Darron Gibson:- This is based strictly on needs at the moment. A physical presence in the midfield, box to box player. Not exactly a defensive mid, but a physical presence none the less. Really, after Evans I have no personal preference and would like all of them to make it through. But if I had to choose, Gibson would be the player I want to come through. Would love to see him rip the net a couple of times.

2. Of that bunch, who do you think is a certainty to make it?

I think only Jonny Evans is a certainty to make it here. He's the only one out of those players who has had a truly outstanding loan spell [more than one occasion] to date. He's come in this season and looked like a veteran at the back for the most part. Even better that those performances came against Chelsea and in the CL.

3. Who do you think is a certainty not to make it, as in, be leaving the club some time in the next year or two?

I would have to say Frazier Campbell. There are too many players here for him to get a chance. Wether he will be sold because he's not good enough, or because he's surplus of requirements, Im not sure yet.

4. We still have needs in the squad, and between this lot and the influx of foreign prospects, all holes can be filled from within. Would you prefer to see that or would you want us to buy because you want bona fide certainty in a proven player rather than taking the risks to develop these players?

It depends what roles. I would like to see them filled from within, apart from an anchorman in midfield.

5. Outside of Jonny Evans, which of these players has impressed you enough for you to think they can make it in some capacity here?

Only Danny Simpson. The rest havnt been consistant or had a REAL chance.

6. Who is the longest and most unlikely shot to make it here from that bunch?

Frazier Campbell because he needs first team football, and he wont get too much of that here.

[433tom]

!). Campbell and Evans. No explantation needed for Evans. I can see Campbell as 3rd choice striker next season with Tevez leaving. Campbell gives us something we don't have in Rooney, Betbatov or Tevez. A striker who continuously seeks to get in behind the defenders. He has the pace and ball control to make it and he looks more confident shooting on goal every time I see him. But most of all he's got the hunger. And don't forget he was literally a few inches away from a brace against Newcastle on opening day.

2) I go with Evans as the certainty.. due to Tevez/campbell situation.

3.) I would have said Simpson because of Brown and Rafeal, but I still can't figure out whats with Fergie and Brown, For now, I'll hold off on that one.

So I would have to say it may be Gibson. I really think Possebon gets the nod over him when he returns. And I would not be surprised to see Fergie dips into the transfer market for a relatively big name CM or DM next summer.

4) I think Possebon is a future starter. But I expect we will still bring in someone else if Fergie loses faith in Hargreaves.

5) Frazier Campbell. He's good enough to play for United. A little more experience and he'll be ready... if not already. He's the best striker Spurs have.. and I think Harry knows it. So I expect he will get a lot of playing time.

5) Either Simpson or Gibson. I doubt Simpson will ever be first choice as long as Rafeal is here. Gibson is a good midfielder, but I 'm not sure he will get a real shot. You got to remember, he's older than Anderson.

[433tom]

Just to follow-up on my post. Wellbeck may turn out too be the bext of the bunch. And while he's only 17, he may just make the big leap and put it all together by next year, It happens. He's the unkown as far as when... not if.

[israbeckham]

I'll keep it short.

Most likely to make it:Evans/Campbell
Both are the most mature and most EPL ready.
Most likely to leave: Simpson:(

The fact that Simpson is already out of the club, and isnt exactly turning heads left and right, is probably the main reason he wont come back. Along of course the fact that right back of all places has turned out to be the most unpredictable position at the club with 3 players in contention. (We didnt see that coming in the summer:D) Brown (when he comes back) will be a solid addition because I think even Fergie by now must know the real deal with Gazz, and Rafa who has been unbelievable lately only being 18 and with a loooong future ahead of him. BTW there is no way he is going out on loan like the other path of the youngsters.

Gibson, well he offers a lot, but there are simply better players at his position atm. However, if he wants to stay (which is what he said latley) and wait for his chance than why not? Oshea and Fletcher did it, and Fletch is finally starting to get some recognition as a good player.

[SyedZada]

So my questions are these:

1. If only two of those players make it here, who would you personally want to succeed?

Evans and Welbeck , Evans is simple , Welbeck over Campbell because imo Welbeck have everything Campbell got and more.

2. Of that bunch, who do you think is a certainty to make it?
Evans.

3. Who do you think is a certainty not to make it, as in, be leaving the club some time in the next year or two?

Darron Gibson simply because Possebon looks a better player and younger and neither is a grafter or the powerhouse we may need so one will leave.

4. We still have needs in the squad, and between this lot and the influx of foreign prospects, all holes can be filled from within. Would you prefer to see that or would you want us to buy because you want bona fide certainty in a proven player rather than taking the risks to develop these players?

Depends we can field in youngsters but we dont want to become Arsenal.

5. Outside of Jonny Evans, which of these players has impressed you enough for you to think they can make it in some capacity here?

Difficult to answer this.

6. Who is the longest and most unlikely shot to make it here from that bunch?

Darron Gibson alongside Simpson ofcourse.

[Stud83]

1. Want to succeed:
Evans, Welbeck

2. Certainty to make it:
If Evans is patient and agrees to be a part-time player for the next 2-3 years, he has the best chance.
Simpson and Welbeck also have decent shots.

3. Not to make it
Gibson, Campbell


4. Buy or grow?
In SAF I trust.


5. Make it in some capacity here?

Apart from Gibson, I think everyone has a reasonable chance to be at least a squaddie here.


6. Longest and most unlikely shot to make it here
Percentage-wise, I'd rate as follows (chances of making it)
Gibson - 5%
Campbell - 10%
Simpson - 30%
Welbeck - 60%
Evans - 80%

[biro]

1. If only two of those players make it here, who would you personally want to succeed?

Evans & Welbeck

2. Of that bunch, who do you think is a certainty to make it?

At United? Evans & Welbeck. If Tevez isn't signed permanently, then Campbell has a good chance (barring Benzema coming in....)

3. Who do you think is a certainty not to make it, as in, be leaving the club some time in the next year or two?

Danny Simpson. Unless both Gaz Nev and Wes leave the club in the summer I think young Danny's goose is cooked, usurped in the pecking order by Rafeal. A good offer from Blackburn will see him leave

4. We still have needs in the squad, and between this lot and the influx of foreign prospects, all holes can be filled from within. Would you prefer to see that or would you want us to buy because you want bona fide certainty in a proven player rather than taking the risks to develop these players?

It depends on the player and the position.

5. Outside of Jonny Evans, which of these players has impressed you enough for you to think they can make it in some capacity here?

Welbeck and Campbell have the best chance.

6. Who is the longest and most unlikely shot to make it here from that bunch?

Toss up between Simpson & Gibson.

[listen_up_fergie]

So we have:

Jonny Evans
Danny Simpson
Darron Gibson
Danny Welbeck
Fraizer Campbell


1. If only two of those players make it here, who would you personally want to succeed?


Danny Welbeck - It's been a while since a homegrown striker became a regular for United, and I think he's got the potential to be an excellent player

Jonny Evans - We'll need someone to fill Rio's shoes in a few years time


2. Of that bunch, who do you think is a certainty to make it?


Jonny Evans, unless he hands in a transfer request.

Danny Welbeck also. At this point in time, I simply cannot see any reason why he won't make it bar some serious injury.


3. Who do you think is a certainty not to make it, as in, be leaving the club some time in the next year or two?


Danny Simpson - too many players ahead of him, and Rafael has been quite impressive.


4. We still have needs in the squad, and between this lot and the influx of foreign prospects, all holes can be filled from within. Would you prefer to see that or would you want us to buy because you want bona fide certainty in a proven player rather than taking the risks to develop these players?


Foreign players are hardly ever proven, and those with premiership experience often have overinflated pricetags. It not only makes economic sense to nurture our own players, but it is also important for the United tradition of bringing through young talent. I'd rather see us splurge on one top class talent and have our youth team products fill the squad roles, than spend on several so-so players.


5. Outside of Jonny Evans, which of these players has impressed you enough for you to think they can make it in some capacity here?


Danny Welbeck.


6. Who is the longest and most unlikely shot to make it here from that bunch?


Danny Simpson. Hasn't shown enough improvement for me - he's still a good prospect, but probably not good enough to be a regular for United.