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Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United

Man Utd’s 10 most valuable academy graduates in 2023: Rashford, Garnacho…

Ben Stewart •

Manchester United boast one of the most successful youth academies in Europe and they have plenty of young talents coming through their ranks in 2023.

The United academy grew a huge reputation throughout the nineties as the likes of David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and more all came through their ranks at the same time.

While some academy graduates have made it at Old Trafford, others have forged a career for themselves elsewhere. Using figures from Transfermarkt, we’ve gathered the 10 most valuable Man Utd academy graduates in 2023.

=6. Anthony Elanga – £15.4million

The Swedish winger was given a number of opportunities by Erik ten Hag, but it soon became clear that he had to move on for the good of his career.

Elanga penned a five-year deal with Nottingham Forest this summer and he’s not looked back since. The 21-year-old is currently valued at £15.4million and has already been making a good impression at his new club.

=6. Angel Gomes – £15.4million

The hype surrounding Gomes back in 2017 was rife. The diminutive playmaker thrived in the Man Utd youth setup and it wasn’t long before he was thrust into the spotlight. Despite being offered a fresh contract in 2020, Gomes opted to join Lille instead.

“It’s a big gamble leaving United, leaving my home in Manchester, going into the unknown,” Gomes told GOAL. “I remember being home thinking, ‘There’s no going back. I’ve actually made this decision here’. And in my head, I was thinking the worst.

“I felt like I took a thousand steps backwards, but it’s all coming to fruition. It’s gone better than I imagined it because of how down and negative I was at that time. But I’m just thankful to myself, really.”

The 23-year-old has become a regular starter at Lille and we’d sure love to see him back in the Premier League one day. Currently valued at £15.4million, we’re sure that figure will continue to climb.

=6. Josh Brownhill – £15.4million

The Burnley midfielder spent his formative years with Man Utd, but never made a senior appearance. The 27-year-old is now back in the top-flight after helping Vincent Kompany’s side to promotion at the first time of asking.

Valued at £15.4million, Brownhill has a solid Premier League CV behind him these days, having made 80 top-flight appearances for Burnley.

=6. Dean Henderson – £15.4million

The time finally arrived this summer for Henderson to pave his own path away from Old Trafford. Having been at the club since he was just 14 years old, it was a big step to join Crystal Palace on a permanent basis this summer.

Henderson enjoyed successful loan spells with Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest and there were times when he was competing with David De Gea for the number one spot.

As his chances of breaking into the starting 11 under Erik ten Hag had become increasingly slim, the £15.4million valued goalkeeper will now fight for his place under Roy Hodgson at Crystal Palace.

=6. Andreas Pereira – £15.4million

The Brazilian playmaker joined Man Utd’s youth ranks as a 16-year-old. His technical skills quickly became apparent and he went on to make 75 first team appearances before leaving the club last summer.

Fulham struck a great deal in the end as Pereira had a wonderful debut season at Craven Cottage. Now valued at £15.4million, Fulham fans are happy to have the 27-year-old on board.

5. Dwight McNeil –  £17million

McNeil spent his younger years with Man Utd until he was released as a 14-year-old and subsequently picked up by Burnley. The winger has done well for himself since the early setback of being released by United as he’s now made 171 top flight appearances.

Despite Everton’s struggles last season, McNeil still proved his worth by scoring seven goals and providing three assists. In 2023, the 23-year-old has a market value of £17million which is enough for a spot in the top five.

4. Jack Harrison – £18.9million

The 26-year-old winger has had some football upbringing to say the least. As a youngster, he spent time in the Liverpool and Man Utd academies and also had a spell playing for Man City.

Marcelo Bielsa had a huge impact on Harrison’s career as the Argentine boss gave him his first real chance in English football with Leeds. Harrison is currently valued at £18.9million and will spend the upcoming season with Everton on loan.

=2. Alejandro Garnacho – £21.4million

We can’t help but get excited about Garnacho. While still very raw, the teenager has all of the attributes needed to make it at the top level. Currently valued at £21.4million, we sure that figure will skyrocket in the next few years.

“He has had a big impact in many games: whether starting or coming on, he’s straight into the game and that’s so important for the squad,” Ten Hag told reporters.

“I’m happy we can bring in young players and, hopefully, he will progress so quickly that he can compete for a starting XI position, because that is his next challenge.”

Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United during the Carabao Cup match between Nottingham Forest and Manchester United at the City Ground, Nottingham on Wednesday 25th January 2023.

READ: The 50 most valuable teenagers in world football: Garnacho, Gavi, Lavia…

=2. Scott McTominay – £21.4million

Since Ten Hag’s arrival, the Scottish midfielder has somewhat gone under the radar. Always a solid and consistent performer for the Reds, McTominay also boasts a transfer value of £21.4million.

While his first team opportunities at Old Trafford are fairly limited these days, he continues to come up clutch for Scotland. The midfielder is now the joint-top scorer in Euro 2024 qualifying with six goals to his name.

1. Marcus Rashford – £68.6million

Who else? Rashford is by far and away United’s most valuable academy graduate in 2023 with a transfer value of £68.6million. The 25-year-old has scored more goals under Ten Hag than any other Man Utd player and there’s still the feeling that he can reach the next level.

Rashford’s transfer value is three times more than any other United academy graduate which highlights just how far in front he currently is. We could happily sit back and watch his 2022-23 highlights reel all day long.

READ NEXT: 9 players you probably had no idea were Man Utd academy graduates

TRY A QUIZ: Can you name Man Utd’s 25 most expensive transfers in history?

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