Amorim has unearthed the new Rashford at Man Utd & it’s not Garnacho

Manchester United have produced countless talents out of their impressive academy system, with attacker Alejandro Garnacho one of the latest to emerge and thrive in the first-team.

The Argentine originally joined from Atlético Madrid back in 2020, linking up with the youth team before making the jump and seamlessly transitioning into the professional game.

He’s since made 130 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 23 times, with eight of his efforts coming during the ongoing campaign at Old Trafford.

Ruben amorim has continued to make him an integral part of his plans, as seen by his tally of 14 starts since his appointment at the end of November.

However, the same can’t be said for one player who evidently doesn’t appear to be in the 40-year-old’s plans after allowing him to depart on a temporary basis in January.

Marcus Rashford’s time at Manchester United

Academy graduate Marcus Rashford was frozen out of the United squad after Amorim’s arrival, making just six appearances after he took over the reins in the North West.

However, he’s gone out on loan to Aston Villa, recapturing his best form, already registering four assists under Unai Emery – leading to a recall to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.

His time with his boyhood club has been a roaring success, registering 138 goals in 426 appearancesand it all started with his debut in the Europa League way back in 2016, scoring a double against FC Midtjylland.

The 27-year-old made himself an immediate fan-favourite given the impact on that night in February nine years ago, with not many predicting him to be as successful as he has been.

However, in the present day, one other Red Devils talent has the opportunity to follow in his footsteps after his own impressive performance during his first European outing for the club.

The player who could be United’s next Rashford

Performing on a European stage is a daunting task, let alone for your first professional start, something which Rashford did with ease all them years ago.

Centre-back Ayden Heaven has also managed to do just that, starring in the triumph against Real Sociedad on Thursday night in what was his first start for United after his summer move from Arsenal.

There’s no doubt the 18-year-old was a signing made for the academy, but after such a display, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him in Amorim’s first-team plans going forward.

The youngster has benefitted from the current injury crisis within the defensive department, taking his opportunity to shine at Old Trafford with both hands against the LaLiga outfit.

Heaven featured for the entirety of the clash, completing 86% of his passes and registering 64 touches – looking calm and composed in possession despite his tender age.

He also won 100% of the ground duels he enteredmaking four clearances and winning one tackle, helping the Red Devils reach the next stage in their pursuit of a trophy this campaign.

The defender, who was dubbed “exceptional” by Liam Canning, has certainly given Amorim a selection headache when other players return from their injury setbacks.

He’s replicated Rashford in impressing on his debut, which came in a European competition, with the centre-back having the potential to replicate the Englishman’s success at Old Trafford.

Should Heaven get anywhere near the levels the attacker has achieved in Manchester, he will be an absolute bargain, having the chance to cement his place at the back and play a vital role in their quest to return to glory.