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Five players who will start for United in 2022

The rebuilding process at United is truly underway and although it remains in the early stages, you can see the seeds have been planted.

Nine first-team players have been sold or loaned out since the start of 2019 and many more will follow in the coming years. Between now and 2022 the squad will look a lot different but some of the players in this team may yet still be key figures come the Qatar World Cup.

Dean Henderson
The goalkeeper who has now spent two seasons at Bramall Lane is making a real name for himself in the Premier League and could be a shout for the EURO squad this summer.

Many have called for United to rely on Henderson next season and let David de Gea go but rationals will say that another loan spell at Sheffield United would suit all parties.

Henderson is clearly determined to make his childhood dream of playing for Manchester United true and although De Gea signed a new four-year contract in August last year, it is doubtful that he’ll see it through as the number one for United.

Marcus Rashford
After an iffy start to the season, the growth of Marcus Rashford this season has been remarkable.

19 goals and 5 assists by January is some feat for someone who is not playing in a functioning team but he was dealt a devastating blow last month after suffering a back injury.

But there’s no doubt that Marcus Rashford is the future of the frontline at United and considering he has already made 201 appearances by the age of 22, it is not unfathomable that he might break Ryan Giggs’ record of 963.

Rashford’s decisiveness and obsession of fulfilling his own potential sets him apart from the rest. He takes care of himself and stays grounded – all of the qualities to become a United great.

Axel Tuanzebe
The defender has struggled a bit this season with injuries but it is telling that Tuanzebe has captained Manchester United at all levels (U16 – first team).

Fast, strong, good on the ball and a leader – he’s got everything required to be a success.

Tuanzebe has always been highly rated at the club and it would be to no ones surprise when he eventually breaks into the first team for good.

Mason Greenwood
Apart from Marcus Rashford, this one may be the easiest one to predict. Greenwood’s rise has been spectacular – 10 goals and a couple of assists in his first season so far and 18-year-old hasn’t even been starting most games.

Barring any injuries, it would be a footballing crime if Mason Greenwood is not a key part of the Manchester United team in two years.

His unprecedented finishing and calmness fits perfectly with what’s expected of someone who comes through the ranks at Old Trafford.

Although his quick and sudden promotion to the first team is reminiscent of Marcus Rashford, they are two very different players who might end up having similar careers.

Hannibal Mejbri
The Frenchman would be the fifth academy graduate on this list and only turned 17 last month. 2022 could still yet be a bit early, but his development since joining United has been outsanding.

He joined United from Monaco last summer for €10 million which is testament to how highly rated he was by both his former club and his current.

Mejbri is already playing against players up to six years older than him and his trickery on the ball, way of drawing fouls and rarely losing the ball is reminiscent of some of the United greats.

Although pressure is inevitable in todays game, whoever is in charge of United in two years will be looking at Mejbri and thinking ‘I’ve got to give this kid a chance’ and chances are that he will take it.

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