After the 4-0 drubbing by West Ham last week, a lot has been spoken about Manchester United’s youngsters. These players are seen to be the future, but can Manchester United fans really be optimistic for success. Of course they are young, and are still learning their trade, but have any of them shown a spark that says they could be good enough for the Premier League? Look at Jack Wilshere. He is a first team player at 18. That is what Manchester United need to be striving for. We look at five youngsters who have featured this season and analyse how they done.

Ben Amos

The goalkeeper has only featured twice for Manchester United this season. Sir Alex Ferguson showed great trust in the ‘keeper, playing him in the recent Champions League game against Valencia. The youngster has looked very assured at Old Trafford, but has played in his comfort zone. It would be interesting to see him play away from home, with fans on his back. He has good command of his area and looks a very talented shot stopped. Against Valencia and Wolves his kicking was erratic at best and must look to improve on this. Manchester United have a future England goalkeeper in their ranks and should loan him out to help him in his development.

6/10

Chris Smalling

What a very impressive start Chris Smalling has made to his Manchester United career. He has taken over from Jonny Evans as Manchester United’s third choice centre half and has been called up to the England team. He looks very assured on the ball and has worked very well with Rio Ferdinand or Nemanja Vidic. He uses the ball well which is something Manchester United need in their defenders, and his pace gives him the edge over Evans. Chris Smalling can only get better, so far he has shown that he is a player that Manchester United can rely on. Tougher tests are to come but Smalling is showing all the signs of why Ferguson has placed so much faith in him.

7/10

Gabriel Obertan

Terrible. What has he done? What has he threatened to do? He has no effect coming off the bench and even less when he starts. He has pace but has no end product. Gabriel Obertan is not good enough to play for Manchester United and should be sold in January.

0/10

Bebe

The spotlight has been on Bebe because of the story behind the player as well as the transfer fee. If you look at his physical presence, he has everything to make it in the Premier League. He is tall, strong and quick – if his skills could be refined, he could be a player for the future. However, against West Ham he was dreadful and was substituted at half time. This sometimes will happen with youngsters but the pressure on the player could be getting him down. The English media want him to fail, because Ferguson fails with him. He has taken a lot of stick from fans and the press, some deservedly so, some not so. In the games he has played this season, he has looked a rough edge. So far there have been few signs that that edge can or will be smoothed out

5/10

Javier Hernandez

The most popular player at Old Trafford? Maybe that is an exaggeration but he has adapted to England and Manchester United like he has been here for years. Hernandez has put in some classy performances, from the bench and from the start. His goal against Valencia was special, showing the talent that the Mexican has. He is quick and goes behind defenders, something Manchester United haven’t had in a while. He is a firm fans favourite because of his performances. Manchester United have a real talent and there are no boundaries to how far Javier Hernandez could go.

9/10

What do you think? Comment below and follow me on twitter

Holy Crap – it’s live fantasy football! Become part of the FA Cup match tonight and play Picklive for FREE Watch and bet live – spices up any game!