.
Man United are looking set to bring Charlie McNeill back to Old Trafford in January, amid his struggles for minutes while out on loan.
Manchester United have plenty of talented young players on their books right now. Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Joe Hugill to name a few.
However, a year or so ago, Charlie McNeill was probably regarded as the best of the bunch. His goal-scoring exploits at youth level, for both Manchester United and Manchester City, were well documented. He seems to have fallen down the pecking order recently.
Over the summer, I just presumed we’d see McNeill feature during pre-season. Instead, he was nowhere to be found and a loan move to Stevenage was sanctioned.
After a positive start to life with the League One club, the young striker has fallen out of favour. As a result, United are now looking to recall the 20-year-old forward from that loan spell in January, over a lack of playing time.
United are looking to activate a break clause which they tend to have in many loan deals, in order to hold the option to bring these footballers back if they’re not playing and/or developing.
This was an initial season-long loan for McNeill, though despite scoring on debut, he’s only played three times. At this point, he may as well come back to Manchester and train as at least he’ll be working with a higher calibre of player.
There’s a good chance that McNeill will likely leave on loan again in January, assuming the club can find the right situation for the striker.
It is somewhat concerning, though. At this point, McNeill should be pushing for starts in a competitive division. If he cannot break into a team in League One, he’s probably not quite ready for first-team football here at the Theatre of Dreams just yet.
That’s only natural as not everyone develops at the same rate.
Do you believe in Charlie McNeill? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
