The travelling party which left Manchester Airport for
Wolfsburg on Monday morning contained a handful of faces unfamiliar
to most United fans - Reserves and Academy devotees apart. So,
who are the not-so-famous five who could feature against the
Bundesliga champions?
Name: Magnus Eikrem
Age: 19
Position: Midfielder
Main attributes: Dead ball specialist, terrific
eye for a killer pass
First team experience: Magnus has been on the
first team bench this term, against Wolves in the Carling Cup, but
is yet to make it onto the field.
His season so far: The Norwegian's first team
call-up was the reward for an excellent campaign in the
Reserves so far. Shifted from right-wing to the centre of midfield,
Magnus’ playmaking skills have been given the perfect platform,
despite his slight frame. And, whether providing or going for goal
himself, his set plays are deadly accurate.
Name: Oliver Gill
Age: 19
Position: Defender
Main attributes: Excellent, calm reader of
the game and, crucially, free of injury!
First team experience: Gill has taken part
in a series of training sessions with the senior squad in
recent weeks.
His season so far: In his first year as a pro,
Oliver has emerged as an assured, composed defender comfortable in
the centre or on the left flank. A regular for Ole Gunnar
Solskjaer’s Reserves and a key member of a defence which has leaked
just six goals in 12 games this term.
Name: Matty James
Age: 18
Position: Midfielder
Main attributes: Engine, two-footed shooting and
playmaking
First team experience: Matty was an unused
substitute in last season’s Premier League finale at Hull, and
again in this season’s Carling Cup win at Barnsley.
His season so far: Having excelled for the
Reserves last term, James’ 2009/10 domestic campaign has been
punctuated by international call-ups, including a captain’s role in
England’s ill-fated U19 World Cup campaign. His knack of retaining
possession and picking the right pass has been invaluable for the
second string, and he is always liable to chip in with the odd
scorching goal from distance.
Name: Oliver Norwood
Age: 18
Position: Midfielder
Main attributes: Passing, shooting,
set-pieces
First team experience: Ollie is yet to sample
first team football at United, but has trained with Sir Alex
Ferguson’s squad in recent weeks.
His season so far: Another who has stepped up
impressively from the under-18s to the Reserves this term.
Norwood’s ferocious shooting always catches the eye – he is widely
regarded as the possessor of the most powerful shot in the club’s
youth ranks – and his eye for a pass is exquisite. International
recognition has been forthcoming, with Ollie making a seamless
transition to Northern Ireland under-21s duty.
Name: Cameron Stewart
Age: 18
Position: Winger
Main attributes: Trickery and searing pace
First team experience: Another who has enjoyed
rubbing shoulders with the senior side in training.
His season so far: A dangerous winger on
either flank, the rapid youngster has been a potent supply line for
the Reserves this term. He also tried his hand as a striker in the
Reds' recent 2-1 win over Hull, drawing special praise from
Solskjaer for his flexibility and rapid assimilation to the
role.
