If you would have been told the night before transfer deadline day that it would be one of the busiest in Manchester United’s history then thoughts would have sprung towards Toni Kroos, Luke Shaw and the like but it was United’s outgoings that dominated the news. With Ryan Tunnicliffe and Larnell Cole joining Fulham on permanent deals along with Fabio leaving for pastures new with Cardiff, this piece will focus on the young Red’s who have left the club on a temporary basis:
Wilfried Zaha
Proved Saturday when he came on as a first-half substitute for Cardiff that Manchester United wingers can provide assists. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was certainly impressed as he commented “he [Zaha] has pace, power and technique. We just have to teach him defending.” Many people questioned Moyes over Wilf’s lack of opportunities in his first 6 months so this will be a perfect opportunity to prove the manager wrong.
Tom Thorpe
In my first piece for Stretty News I advocated Thorpe being sent out on loan to gain some competitive action to bring out a more aggressive streak in his game and I am delighted he’s got that chance at Birmingham. Having had Michael Keane on loan earlier in the season, Birmingham fans will be able to tell you which one has proven the most impressive come the end of the season. Thorpe started yesterday in the draw vs Derby but was soon stretchered off. Fortunately Lee Clarke is hopeful it is just a badly sprained ankle rather than something more serious.
Charni Ekangemene
Another player I wrote about in my Focus on the Reserves and his loan move to Carlisle will show just how effective his hard working, under the radar playing style can be. It should also guarantee him more playing time in the centre of midfield rather than filling in as an emergency centre back as was the case with the u21’s.
Sam Byrne
Also joined the Cumbrian’s on loan till the end of the season. The Republic of Ireland Under-19 international has played in the UEFA youth league for United this season and should gain a significant amount of first team experience during his time up North.
Tyler Blackett and Federico Macheda
This pair completed the trio of young reds who joined Birmingham on loan but both experienced contrasting games. Blackett, after showing signs of promise when called upon at Blackpool in his first loan spell, gave away a penalty and was at fault for 2 other goals as the game finished 3-3 thanks to substitute Macheda’s last minute equaliser. 22 year old Macheda may have found his level at Birmingham as he never lived up to expectation after that famous winner against Villa in 2009.
Tom Lawrence
After impressing during his loan spell at Carlisle, most notably with his volley and giggs-esque goal on debut, Lawrence has made the jump to the Championship with Yeovil. The 20 year old could be a key part of their fight for survival in the 2nd tier.
Will Keane
Joined Queens Park Rangers just before the 11pm deadline. The 21 year old enjoyed limited success whilst on loan at Wigan whilst I was particularly critical of his performance in the u21’s derby game vs City last Monday; although it must be noted he has only just returned from a 16 month injury lay off so he is still finding his feet. One concern will be where he fits in Harry Redknapp’s plans as Kevin Doyle and Modibo Maiga were also signed to cover the injured Charlie Austin. Keane was ineligible for yesterday’s draw vs Burnley.
Sam Johnstone
The young keeper has joined Doncaster Rovers on a four week loan off the back of signing a 3 and a half year contract extension so the club clearly see his potential. Part of the 2011 Fa Youth Cup winning team, he will be hoping to take his brief opportunity in the Championship.
Jack Rudge
Aged 19, Rudge joined Torquay United on loan. The tigerish midfielder has had his progress hampered by a hernia problem this season so the opportunity for competitive football will be a welcome opportunity.
With the huge quantity of youngsters being sent out on loan by the club, the pick of the bunch from the Academy and u19s European squad are likely to step up and gain experience at a higher level of football whilst older players, who were maybe stagnating in the reserves, can now experience regular competitive action. This may affect results but the under 21’s league is all about developing young talent for the first team and it will give us an opportunity to study James Wilson, Saidy Janko and co. with greater scrutiny. The notable absence of Jesse Lingard may suggest Moyes has plans to incorporate him in his first team plans after he became a hit at St. Andrews.
