How Man Utd could line up with academy talent ONLY with Tom Heaton in goal and Marcus Rashford leading the line

MANCHESTER UNITED is well known for its talent development and willingness to give youngsters a chance in the senior team.

In fact, United boast a proud record of featuring an academy player in every matchday squad for over 85 years.

GettyAcademy graduate Marcus Rashford is firing the way the Man Utd this season[/caption]

GettyTom Heaton would also feature in an academy only team[/caption]

Since that run began in 1937, the club have seen a plethora of talent come through the ranks, including the Busby babes and the Class of 92.

In keeping with tradition, Erik ten Hag has been utilising members from the academy, with some players taking leading roles in his United revolution.

But how might United’s current academy talent line up if they were asked to play together? And for the sake of parity, we will not be using players currently on loan from the club.

Starting in goal, 36-year-old Tom Heaton would be handed the gloves.

After initial promotion to the first team at in 2004, Heaton was with Man Utd until 2010 when he left on a free transfer.

He then returned to the club in 2021 with a bank of Prem experience behind him.

The back four will consist of just one senior star, Brandon Williams, who can play either full-back position.

He would likely play alongside right-back Marc Jurado and centre-back duo Rhys Bennett and Tyler Fredricson, with the latter included in United’s B-list for the Europa League.

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Here’s how the United academy XI might look on paper

In midfield, Scott McTominay would anchor alongside 17-year-old Kobbie Mainoo.

Mainoo has featured twice under Ten Hag this season, getting minutes in both cup competitions. Mainoo also signed a new long-term contract with the Red Devils yesterday.

Zidane Iqbal would complete this team’s midfield but up front, some familiar names come to the fore.

Anthony Elanga and Alejandro Garnacho would provide the width in support of talisman Marcus Rashford.

Rashford has netted 20 goals in all competitions this season.

Garnacho came under scrutiny during his most recent performance against Leeds despite a solid display which saw a goal attempt cleared off the line by Maximilian Wober.

But it seems he puts more pressure on himself than anyone else after appearing to like a Tweet suggesting he is not ready to start.

He will have a chance to redeem himself when United face Leeds again at the weekend.

Facundo Pellistri replaced him in the second half of that game and despite featuring in the United academy, is not an academy prospect.

Despite coming from the academy, Mason Greenwood has been excluded from the eligibility to play with his future at the club uncertain.

United are conducting an internal investigation after charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault were dropped.