In the climate of modern football, it is a dangerous habit to hype players as the next big thing, with most teenage starlets having all being compared to a world-class counterpart for simply playing in a similar position.
Manchester United are rich with youthful strikers set to dominate their first team in years to come. But it’s the new kid on the block, 18-year-old McNeill, who is earning major plaudits. But who is the England U18 international? And does he have a chance at breaking into the Red Devil’s first team?
Speaking of Manchester United’s rich academy production – Kobbie Mainoo is one to watch
Who is Charlie McNeill?
McNeill has forged his reputation at youth level as a lethal goalscorer, netting over 600 across all levels by this time last year, but it is his overall play that really catches the eye.
A £750,000 signing from crosstown rivals Manchester City, who will be kicking themselves for losing another top talent after Jadon Sancho, McNeill has turned heads at Old Trafford. In 2018, he inked a six-year deal with Adidas that could net him over £ 1 million. And in his first season with United, he crashed in an astonishing 24 goals in 21 appearances in the Under-18 Premier League, settling in better than anyone could have hoped.
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Charlie McNeill potential
Astonishingly, McNeill has bounced between the Manchester clubs a few times. He was originally part of United’s academy and played alongside Greenwood.
Having made his debut for the U23s in February, it is surely only a matter of time before he makes a place in that side his own, and if he maintains scoring at his current rate, it will not be long before he appears on Erik Ten Hag’s radar.
In an era when professional footballers are media-trained and often speak like robots, it’s great to see a player with a bit of character and personality – and he often shows that in his post-match interviews
Charlie McNeill stats
| Man Utd U18 | Goals | Assists |
| 2020/21 | 25 | 6 |
| 2021/22 | 17 | 7 |
McNeill finished his debut season with 25 goals in 25 appearances and has carried the impressive form – and shithousery – into the recent campaign.
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Skills and style of play
McNeill has forged his reputation at youth level as a…
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