Solskjaer plans to promote 'one or two' more Man Utd youngsters to first-team next season after Mengi and Laird impress

OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER believes "one or two" young players could be promoted from Manchester United's academy for next season.

The Red Devils have enjoyed great success in bringing Mason Greenwood and Brandon Williams into the senior side this campaign.

The 18-year-old forward has 16 goals in all competitions ahead of a likely starting role against Southampton on Monday night.

And a plethora of talented kids are waiting in the wings to follow in Greenwood's footsteps.

Solskjaer feels as though his current United squad, on a spell of five-straight wins, is close to completion but could benefit from a fresh injection of youth.

He told reporters: "We just have to focus. I don't think one second if any other team is worried about us, we have to worry about ourselves.

"If we keep on improving and building an environment in the training ground and keep building on the culture, add one or two youngsters, maybe add players who can challenge those who we have got here.

"Of course it's exciting, but we can't think that far. You don't really have the time or focus.

"You can't think three months ahead now with players who are in and around the first-team.

"Of course, there are youngsters who you know are going to go out on loan, that need exposure, game time.

"But those who are in and around the first-team now, they only have one focus, and that's Southampton, then it's onto the next one. We need to finish the season strong."

Along with Greenwood and Williams, Tahith Chong and James Garner have been around the first-team picture this season.

Di'Shon Bernard, Dylan Levitt, Ethan Galbraith and D'Mani Mellor all featured in a Europa League dead rubber at Astana earlier in the campaign.

However the pair hotly-tipped to make the step up are Teden Mengi and Ethan Laird.

Under-18 captain Mengi plays in central defence and is known for his rapid pace that has impressed club bosses in training.

Meanwhile Laird, also an 18-year-old defender, has been Solskjaer's first port of call in recent weeks and joined the senior squad after injuries to Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe.

Unlike late bloomer Mengi, Laird signed for United aged just nine and agreed a new contract until 2023 earlier in the year.

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