How Man Utd's team could look in 5 years as Kai Rooney and JJ Gabriel shine with £65m man

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Manchester United look unrecognisable since Michael Carrick took over as interim manager in January. Carrick has steered the side into genuine top-four contention after securing five victories and one draw from his opening six fixtures in charge.

The atmosphere around Carrington is understandably buoyant as the players believe they may have reached a turning point after a torrid few years. Part of that optimism stems from Carrick restoring the so-called 'United DNA', which involves playing thrilling and attacking football.

Another element is reliance on emerging talent from the academy, something embedded in the club since before the Class of '92, and one Carrick seems eager to maintain . Recent results and his footballing philosophy suggest a promising future at Old Trafford, where talented youth team graduates can combine with current first team stars and new signings to take United back to the very top.

Mirror Football now examines what the Red Devils' starting line-up could theoretically look like in five years' time if they continue on their present course, with an emphasis on their academy prospects.

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The 23-year-old Belgian shot-stopper was signed for £18.2million last summer. So far, Lammens looks to be an outstanding signing and United supporters will be hoping he can continue to go from strength to strength in the seasons ahead.

Brentford's Kayode is the ideal right-back to succeed Diogo Dalot further down the line. The Italian, still only 21, possesses explosive athleticism, relentless overlapping runs, outstanding one vs one defending and a secret weapon in the form of a gigantic throw-in.

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Yoro, 20, is still learning what it takes to be a top-class Premier League centre-back, but the Frenchman still has plenty of time on his side. Signed for £52.2m in 2024, Yoro is undoubtedly regarded as the long-term defensive cornerstone at United.

Tottenham captain Romero is reportedly keen to leave the north London club, and United would be wise to bring him in this summer. The Argentine World Cup winner boasts a wealth of experience despite being just 27 years old, making him the ideal candidate to bring stability to a young and promising defensive unit. A fee of around £50m should be sufficient to sign Romero.

Amass stands out as one of the most gifted United academy prospects and could be the man to finally replace Luke Shaw . The 18-year-old is technically secure and progressive in possession. Should his loan spell at Norwich City prove successful, there is every reason to believe Amass can make the left-back berth his own at United.

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In five years' time, Mainoo will still be only 26. The England international already boasts considerable experience in high-profile matches and has returned to prominence under Carrick , who is impressed by Mainoo's press resistance and ability to glide through traffic. United's entire midfield identity could be built around the former academy starlet, and he is the most likely long-term captain in this side.

While Mainoo would be the more adventurous of the midfield axis, long-term target Wharton, 22, could be signed as the chief orchestrator from deep, dictating the tempo much like Carrick himself did during his prime. With Crystal Palace enduring a thoroughly miserable campaign, the Englishman is valued at around £65m, making this the prime moment to bring him to Old Trafford.

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Lacey, 18, is the jewel in United’s academy crown at the moment. The left-footer, who made his first-team debut in December, is highly versatile, being able to play off the wing, though his creativity makes him the perfect long-term successor to Bruno Fernandes .

The son of United hero Wayne Rooney , Kai is destined to reach the first-team squad, having joined United's youth system at 11. At 16, he still needs more physical development to secure his place in the first-team XI, but he is already catching the eye with his clever off-the-ball movement from the right flank, cutting inside and displaying composed finishing.

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JJ Gabriel is among the most talented youngsters currently playing in the academy. The 15-year-old is raw and electrifying, delivering that same fearlessness on the wing that a certain Cristiano Ronaldo showed over two decades ago.

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