Butt claims ‘any of eight’ U18s could be next Man Utd star

Manchester United’s under-18s face a big test against historic rivals Leeds at Old Trafford in the FA Youth Cup on Wednesday, looking to book their place in the quarter-finals.

And Nicky Butt, head of first team development, believes there are a number of players who have the potential to make the breakthrough to the first team for the Red Devils.

Mason Greenwood and Brandon Williams have become regulars this season, while Tahith Chong, James Garner, and Angel Gomes have also featured in the Premier League.

And Butt believes this current crop of youth players could provide more players for the first team.

Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester, he said: “If you’re looking at the youth team, any of eight players that’ll play on Wednesday who have got a chance of making their debut and being ‘the next one’.”

Butt was reluctant to pick out anyone in particular, but the likes of Teden Mengi, Charlie McCann, Reece Devine, Hannibal Mejbri and Dillon Hoogewerf all have the potential to make the step up.

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He added that he did not want to be proved either, as he never would have expected Brandon Williams to be ‘the one’ to make the grade prior to his breakthrough this season.

Butt said: “You can’t ever say it, because three years ago I wouldn’t have sat here and said Brandon Williams is the one.

“He’s a great lad Brandon, done amazingly well, a really talented player and he’s regular in the Manchester United first team now, but you don’t know who is going to take the bit between their teeth and not let go.

“It’s a mindset, it’s not just ability. It could be any of the eight, it might not be the most talented, but the one who can handle most pressure.”