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Manchester United’s junior loaders may be struggling due to the huge increase in physique and intensity.
That’s according to former United striker Will Keane, who left Old Trafford four times during his club career, and is now with Wigan Athletic.
United sanctioned the loan of the youth midfield duo James Garner and Dylan Levitt in the summer, to Watford and Charlton respectively. Tahith Chong (Werder Bremen), Aliou Traore (OGC Nice) and Matej Kovar (Swindon) were some of the other academy graduates on loan.
There has been a lot of attention from Garner and Levitt, 19 and 20, who have had contrasting experiences so far this season. MEN Sport reported last week that United are considering withdrawing Wales international Levitt due to lack of playing time at Charlton. Garner has fared slightly better at Watford, although he has stayed on the bench in recent games.
Keane, who had his own matches on loan at Queens Park Rangers in 2014, told MEN how difficult it can be for the youngsters.
He said: “It is difficult. I think the style of play, with these guys moving up through the ranks and then getting into the reserve team, they’re used to that and it’s a very technical game.
“And it’s not men’s soccer, so when you have that first exposure, it’s probably a wake-up call for a lot of players, really. It’s a different game.
Manchester United extended their unbeaten streak in the Premier League to 10 games, as they recorded a deserved 2-1 victory over Aston Villa on New Year’s Day.
Goals from Anthony Martial and Bruno Fernandes did the job as United kept up the pressure on defending champions and league leaders Liverpool.
United’s next game is against City in the Carabao Cup semi-final midweek.
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“You go into a first-team environment; I remember my first experience when I was at QPR – I first went to Wigan for an emergency loan for a few weeks – but I went to QPR because of an injury and there was no” I really recovered. I jumped in thinking it would be a very good opportunity, they were at the top of the championship, and it was difficult. For a young man up front, you are playing against a great center. halves and you have to push yourself. And if you’re not completely fit and ready for it, it makes it even more difficult.
“It’s about adapting to that and it’s a results-based business. So if the guys aren’t playing, maybe the managers feel like they have to pick their team that they know is trustworthy and used to the level. They won’t be waiting for players if they take a little time to get used to it.
“The purpose of going on loan is to get that playing time and keep developing as a young player. So if Levitt is not getting the minutes at Charlton, you want to be somewhere where you will play, to keep progressing.”
(Image: AMA 2018 Sports Photography Agency)
Keane explained how United coaches decide whether or not to send players on loan. He believes that success or some loans will depend on his physique and disposition for the fierce nature of the soccer league.
“It’s a bit of all parties,” added the 27-year-old.
“It depends on which clubs are interested in the player and then if they probably think it is the right thing to do to gain experience, it is the next step before entering the United first team environment. For some players it is natural, but obviously there are exceptions. Like your Marcus Rashfords that go straight to the first team and turn it on and stay, Mason Greenwood lately.
“It’s about trying to choose a club that suits you as a player, either because of their style of football, but it is very different from reserve football. I think for some players it is a great wake-up call because it is a game. very physical and intense in comparison. ” what they were used to. “
Keane believes that all current United borrowers can return to Carrington having benefited from the loan experience, whether they played regularly or not.
He added: “I think for the guys coming back to United, it makes you appreciate what you have there even more, when you experience different facilities.
“Manchester United is one of the best clubs in the world and you can get used to what they have there, so it makes you appreciate how good the place is. For me, just to go out and play high-level football, to get my career is on. go, that’s what you want to do. You want to establish yourself as a first-team player. Some didn’t always go as planned for me, but it’s about playing. “
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