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Manchester United's academy graduates: Who are they and where are they now?

Louis van Gaal of Manchester United

Louis van Gaal hasn't been shy to promote Manchester United's academy talent. We look at the most recent graduates.

Following the appointment of Nicky Butt as Manchester United's head of academy in February, Ed Woodward pointed out the club's track record of success in player development.

The United executive vice-chairman identified 15 academy graduates promoted to the first-team over the last four years, a figure that has only increased in the weeks since.

Marcus Rashford, Timothy Fosu-Mensah and James Weir have each stepped up, leading Sky Sports commentator Martin Tyler to label them "Louis' Lads".

Butt appointed
Butt appointed

Nicky Butt appointed Manchester United's head of academy

While they are not quite on the level of "Fergie's Fledglings" yet, we take a look at United's recent academy graduates with the help of Sky Sports News HQ's James Cooper…

At United...

Marcus Rashford

Rashford capped a remarkable rise with the winner in the Manchester derby on Sunday, his fifth goal in his eighth appearance for the senior team. The teenage forward was thrust into the spotlight against FC Midtjylland in the Europa League and responded with two goals in the must-win second-leg.

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Rashford the derby hero
Rashford the derby hero

Marcus Rashford delivers match-winning display in Manchester derby

He followed that up with another double against Arsenal before leaving Man City's Martin Demichelis in his wake to notch the decisive goal at the Etihad, prompting Louis van Gaal to play down hopes of an England place at Euro 2016..

Marcus Rashford of Manchester United celebrates the first goal in the derby
Image: Marcus Rashford celebrates after putting United ahead in the Manchester derby

Timothy Fosu-Mensah

The Dutch-born defender came on for his Premier League debut as a substitute against Arsenal, replacing Marcos Rojo before keeping the lively Gunners winger Alex Iwobi under control. He's since made another three appearances, and won praise from Van Gaal for "saving" United in their 1-0 win over Watford.

Manchester United's Dutch defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah (L) and Arsenal's Nigerian striker Alex Iwobi
Image: Fosu-Mensah came on against Arsenal and kept Alex Iwobi under wraps

James Weir

Like Fosu-Mensah, Weir came on as a substitute in the win over Arsenal, but he's made little impact on the first-team other than that stoppage time cameo.

James Weir and Patrick McNair of Manchester United
Image: James Weir (left) has been on the fringes of the first-team squad

Joe Riley

The teenage midfielder filled in at left-back in the FA Cup win over Shrewsbury before featuring again against FC Midtjylland. But he's more of an forward-thinking player, with opportunities difficult to come by in Van Gaal's attack.

Manchester United's Joe Riley warms up
Image: Joe Riley has made a handful of appearances in cup competitions since February

Adnan Januzaj

Undoubtedly the most successful in terms of appearances, Januzaj burst onto the scene under David Moyes, announcing his arrival with two goals in a victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. He's not quite kicked on as hoped since then, and is now back at United after a loan spell at Borussia Dortmund was cut short.

Adnan Januzaj of Manchester United warms up during the Manchester United training session held at Club Brugge, Champions League
Image: Adnan Januzaj has returned to United after a loan spell at Borussia Dortmund

James Wilson (on loan at Brighton)

The future looked bright when Wilson marked his senior debut with two goals against Hull City under interim boss Ryan Giggs, but he has found opportunities difficult to come by with Louis van Gaal in charge. Now on loan at Brighton until the end of the season, Wilson has four goals in 18 league appearances as Chris Hughton's side aim for promotion to the Premier League.

Paddy McNair

With Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones all missing and fellow graduate Tyler Blackett suspended, Van Gaal handed Paddy McNair his debut against West Ham in September 2014. After winning international recognition last year, he hopes to go to Euro 2016 with Northern Ireland but has played just 133 minutes of football in 2016.

Paddy McNair of Manchester United
Image: Paddy McNair was handed his chance after a defensive injury crisis

Jesse Lingard

The Warrington-born winger stayed patient at United, completing loan spells at Leicester, Birmingham City, Brighton and Derby County, and he has been rewarded this season with an extended run in the team. He has made the most of it too, keeping out big-money signing Memphis Depay.

Jesse Lingard of Manchester United scores the opening goal
Image: Jesse Lingard found the net in United's 1-1 draw with Chelsea

Cameron Borthwick-Jackson

It's been a meteoric rise for Borthwick-Jackson, who started the season by stepping up to the U21s. But with Luke Shaw and Marcos Rojo sidelined, the teenager emerged as United's first-choice left-back, earning praise from a "proud" Van Gaal after his assist for Lingard against Chelsea.

Tyler Blackett (on loan at Celtic)

After impressing on the club's 2014 pre-season tour, Blackett started five of the opening six games of the 2014/15 season, but the defender, who has been with United since he was eight, lost his place after a red card against Leicester and is currently on loan at Celtic.

Tyler Blackett: Season-long loan at Celtic
Image: Tyler Blackett joined Celtic on a season-long loan

Donald Love

Butt's predecessor Brian McClair praised Love's "positive" debut in the defeat by Sunderland earlier this year, but the right-back has since been edged out by Guillermo Varela.

Andreas Pereira

Signed from PSV Eindhoven in 2012, the Brazilian attacker is already on his second professional contract at United, and has been a fixture on the first-team bench this campaign. The 20-year-old capped a breakthrough 2015 with the club's U21 player of the year award, and scored a free-kick on his first competitive start for the senior team against Ipswich Town in September. One to watch.

Andreas Pereira in action for Manchester United U21s
Image: Andreas Pereira has agreed a new contract with Manchester United

Will Keane

The talented young striker has trekked around the lower leagues, spending time on loan at Wigan, QPR, Sheffield Wednesday and most recently Preston North End. He's back with United now and came off the bench for four minutes against Sunderland after catching the eye with a five-goal haul in a reserve match against Norwich.

No longer at United...

Reece James - now at Wigan

James seemingly came out of nowhere with two goals against LA Galaxy on the club's 2014 pre-season tour, and after Luke Shaw's fitness was criticised upon his arrival, there was a chance for the academy prospect to step up. But he ultimately failed to secure a regular place in the squad and was sent on loan to Rotherham and Huddersfield before leaving permanently for Wigan last year.

Tom Lawrence - now at Cardiff City on loan from Leicester

The highly-rated Wales international made his debut alongside Wilson in May 2014, but was sold to Leicester four months later. After a successful spell at Blackburn ended last month, he joined Cardiff on loan until the end of the season and is battling for a Euro 2016 spot.

Tom Lawrence, Wales
Image: Tom Lawrence is hoping to make a case for Euro 2016 inclusion

Michael Keane - now at Burnley

The centre-back made just one Premier League appearance for United before Burnley made his loan move permanent last year, and he's been a key player under Sean Dyche as they push for promotion.

Tom Thorpe - now at Rotherham

Thorpe played a single minute of league football for United, replacing Angel Di Maria in stoppage time against West Ham in September 2014. That was as good as it got, though, and he's now at Rotherham under Neil Warnock, but has not played in the Championship since November.

Thorpe (right) celebrates with Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard in 2011
Image: Tom Thorpe (left) celebrates with then team-mates Paul Pogba (middle) and Jesse Lingard (right) in 2011

Scott Wootton - now at Leeds

The versatile defender made three senior appearances for United, conceding an injury-time penalty against Chelsea in his final outing as they lost 5-4 after extra time in the Capital One Cup. Now at Leeds United under Steve Evans, he's a regular at right-back.

Ryan Tunnicliffe - now at Fulham

You may remember Tunnicliffe's father made £10,000 on a 100-1 bet after his son made his United debut as a substitute against Newcastle, but three loan spells later he was allowed to leave for Fulham along with fellow academy talent Larnell Cole. He's still at Craven Cottage but has struggled with injury and has been limited to just 21 league appearances.

Ryan Tunnicliffe has struggled with injury at Fulham
Image: Ryan Tunnicliffe has struggled with injury at Fulham

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