Manchester United are now officially fallen giants. They have failed to add to their haul of 13 Premier League titles in the 11 years since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure as head coach, winning just four trophies overall, and have fallen well behind nosy neighbours Manchester City and arch-rivals Liverpool in English football's pecking order.

The 2023-24 season has arguably been United's worst yet, with 17 defeats recorded across all competitions, and Champions League qualification appears to already be out of reach for Erik ten Hag's disjointed team. The Dutchman will probably pay the ultimate price come May, and join the likes of Jose Mourinho and Louis van Gaal on the club's fast-growing list of failed managers.

But it is not all doom and gloom. Academy graduates Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho have earned regular spots in the first team with their outstanding performances this season, often conjuring up moments of magic to save the day for a United side otherwise lacking quality and real leaders.

Mainoo has been compared to club legend Paul Scholes because of his technical brilliance, while Garnacho is doing his best to follow in the footsteps of his idol Cristiano Ronaldo, and both men could have key roles to play during a new era at Old Trafford - which is being helmed by Britain's richest man, Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

English winger Omari Forson and French defender Willy Kambwala have also broken into the first team in 2023-24, and there could be plenty more young stars who emerge as the INEOS revolution gets into full swing in the summer. GOAL has the lowdown on the next wave of United academy graduates...

Shea Lacey

The United youngster generating the most hype right now is Shea Lacey, who signed his first professional contract at Old Trafford after turning 17 on April 14, despite an injury-plagued 2023-24 season. Ten Hag drafted the teenager into first-team training for the first time in early April as a reward for his stellar performances with the Under-18s, and he is even earning comparisons to England and Manchester City superstar Phil Foden.

Lacey usually operates on the right flank and is already something of a free-kick specialist, which may not be much of a surprise given he happens to idolise a certain Lionel Messi. Much like the Barcelona legend did in his teens, Lacey has already gone viral for several moments of genius for United's youth teams, wowing fans with his dribbling skills and eye for goal. His best effort yet came in an U18s clash with Wolves in January, as he lashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner of the net from 20 yards out.

Shea Lacey with a beauty of a strike 🔥 pic.twitter.com/0xfzMGLYfS

— utdreport Academy (@utdreportAcad) January 28, 2023

As if his exploits on the pitch were not enough, Lacey also opted to join United's academy ranks instead of Liverpool's, despite growing up on Merseyside, which supporters will be quick to point to if he makes it onto the senior stage at Old Trafford.

Harry Amass

Harry Amass joined United's academy from Watford last summer, which was seen as a big coup as they saw off competition for his signature from Chelsea. The Hornets didn't want to lose the left-back, who has made an instant impression in Manchester, forcing his way into Ten Hag's plans at the tender age of 17.

The Dutchman named Amass in his matchday squad for the both of the Red Devils' recent draws against Liverpool and Bournemouth, and it is only a matter of time before he is handed his debut. Injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia have opened up a spot in defence, which Amass could step up and fill after emerging as a standout performer for United's U18s.

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Amass, who is already an England U17 international, has been fast-tracked because of his versatility and quality on the ball. He is deceptively strong and powerful, despite not being the tallest defender, and has been tipped for a bright future at the highest level.

Habeeb Ogunneye

Nigerian right-back Habeeb Ogunneye was a surprise inclusion in Ten Hag's squad for United's FA Cup fifth-round win at Nottingham Forest in February, and has since been named on the bench for four Premier League games amid the club's ongoing defensive injury crisis.

The 18-year-old signed professional terms with United back in November 2022, and has since featured in the UEFA Youth League, while also stepping up to U21 level. Ogunneye has been identified as an exciting prospect by England U21 boss Lee Carsley, too, having previously won three caps for the U17s, though he does also qualify to play for Nigeria through his heritage.

According to the Daily Star, Ogunneye has struck up a close relationship with Mainoo at Old Trafford, and is using the midfielder's rapid rise as motivation to carve out his own career at the club. The early signs look promising for a player who has plenty to offer at both ends of the pitch, and he could see some minutes for Ten Hag's team before the campaign ends given United have little left to play for in the league.

Ethan Wheatley

United's U18s clinched the Premier League North title on April 16, and 18-year-old striker Ethan Wheatley played a key role in their triumph. The Englishman has hit eight goals in seven appearances in the competition this term, including a stunning hat-trick against Liverpool as United romped to a 9-1 victory over their arch-rivals.

Wheatley, who has also played for England at youth level, has an imposing physical frame and he's lightning fast, which makes him a nightmare for defenders. He's also comfortable shooting with both feet, while United have lacked a natural centre-forward for some time, and Wheatley falls firmly into that bracket, equally adept with his back to goal as he is facing it.

Ten Hag included Wheatley among his substitutes at Bournemouth, and has a big summer ahead of him. With several United stars set to travel to Euro 2024, Wheatley will be aiming to make a big impact in pre-season with a view to potentially breaking into the first-team picture for the new campaign.

Amir Ibragimov

According to the Manchester Evening News, Amir Ibragimov was drafted into senior training by Ten Hag shortly after his 15th birthday last April, after captaining United at both U15 and U14 level. Ibragimov, who initially joined Sheffield United's academy at 11 after moving to England from Russia, has since stepped up to play for the U16s, and made headlines in January after scoring all four of United's goals in a thumping 4-1 win against Newcastle.

A regular role in the U18s set-up beckons for Ibragimov next season, which will come as little surprise to one of the men who has witnessed his talent blossom up close. "There aren't many I've seen that can run like him," academy coach Raducio King recently told the MEN. "I could see him playing as a No.10, like a Wayne Rooney role, driving forward, switching balls, tackling, attacking, you name it."

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Ibragimov has represented England's U16s, and could choose to play for the Three Lions instead of Russia in the future, while he also has two younger brothers who are bidding to follow in his footsteps in the United academy ranks.

Finley McAllister

Another key member of United's title-winning U18s side, Finley McAllister is a versatile player who usually operates in midfield, but can also fill in as a full-back when required. The 17-year-old is a proper captain with bags of energy, and his aggressive style of play helps to break up play and push his team forward.

McAllister delivered a stirring speech after the squad arrived back at Carrington as Premier League North champions, with Ten Hag present to congratulate all the players, and he might already have earmarked him as a future first-team leader.

The United boss called the England youth international into for training with his squad last month, and although competition for midfield places is fierce at Old Trafford right now, he may be tempted to throw the youngster in at the deep end sooner rather than later, especially if Brazilian veteran Casemiro continues to struggle.

Gabriele Biancheri

Gabriele Biancheri scored both goals in United's title-clinching 2-1 win over Wolves, taking his tally for the season to 10 for the U18s, just a few weeks after being promoted to first-team training. The 17-year-old is a confident striker who grew up idolising a certain Cristiano Ronaldo, and he seems to have the same work ethic as the United legend.

Biancheri, who is eligible to play for England, Wales and Italy, made his debut for the Dragons' U19 side against Belgium in March, and marked the occasion with a goal, which further suggests he will have little problem delivering on the biggest stages.

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His instincts in the final third are razor sharp, and he can play anywhere across the forward line, or even slightly deeper as a No.10. With his impressive quick feet and eye for goal, it surely won't be much longer before Biancheri properly introduces himself to the Old Trafford faithful.

James Scanlon

James Scanlon joined United's academy last summer from Derby County and has enjoyed a stellar first year in Manchester. The 17-year-old is another to have been invited into senior training after impressing for the Red Devils' U18 and U21 teams, and has already made a unique piece of history at international level.

Last month, Scanlon became the first ever United player to line up for the Gibraltar national team, coming on as a 74th-minute substitute in their Nations League play-off defeat to Lithuania. He has also gained invaluable experience in the Premier League 2 and EFL Trophy, which holds him in good stead to earn a first-team call-up at United in the near future.

James Scanlon doubles the lead! pic.twitter.com/zd2zOXGAAm

— utdreport Academy (@utdreportAcad) April 13, 2024

Scanlon is a skilful attacking midfielder who will chip in with his fair share of goals. He scored twice in the United U18s' recent 4-2 victory over Stoke City, the first of which was a quite brilliant solo goal, and Ten Hag's team could certainly use that kind of finishing prowess.

Ethan Williams

Ethan Williams began his footballing journey at Rochdale before joining United in 2019, and has since worked his way up from the U14s all the way to the U21s. The 2023-24 campaign has been the 18-year-old's best yet, as he's recorded 21 goal contributions in 30 appearances across all competitions switching between the U18s and U21s.

Williams first broke into senior training back in November 2022, and Ten Hag has also taken the opportunity to assess him in close quarters, with United currently lacking depth in wide areas. The English winger primarily plays on the left, but he's adept with both feet, and can find the back of the net from all angles.

Ethan Williams’ ball striking off both feet is pretty unique pic.twitter.com/Dprr1kHWVE

— academyarena Utd (@academyarenaUTD) February 3, 2024

It's rare to see a player so young with Williams' technical quality, and his agility and explosive style could give United a new dimension in attack as the likes of Marcus Rashford and Antony continue to scratch around for consistency.

Williams is the nephew of former Man City goalkeeper Alex Williams, who said of his potential in his 2023 autobiography: "Ethan is progressing well and has the potential to go all the way. He’s similar in style to former City winger Leroy Sane. He’s destined to be a star, although it’s a shame his favourite colour is red rather than blue!"

Bendito Mantato

Last but by no means least is 16-year-old winger Bendito Mantato, who has been compared to Arsenal talisman Bukayo Saka. The England youth starlet certainly boasts the same deadly left foot as Saka, and never misses a chance to let fly when cutting in from the right.

Mantato, who made his debut for United's U18s at just 14 years old in 2022, has contributed five goals for this season's title-winners, with four of those coming in one devastating performance against Blackburn in March. Ten Hag has taken notice, but so have a number of other clubs across Europe, and United have moved quickly to make sure he's not prised from their grasp.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Red Devils have offered Mantato a new deal that includes "a potential pact for a future pro contract", and he's now weighing up his options. Mantato is already an accomplished dribbler who can back up his dazzling skills with end product, and it's frightening to think how much potential he still has left to unlock, with first-team recognition likely to come his way quickly if he can keep up such a high level of performance.