According to Manchester United legend Gary Neville, Manchester United should seize the opportunity to grant their 18-year-old sensation the spotlight this season, as he appears to be the ideal successor to Rashford.

Manchester United’s youth academy is brimming with talent, potentially harboring the ideal successor to Marcus Rashford.

This season, the under-18 team has been exceptionally successful, winning nearly every game in the U18 Premier League, with just one draw marring their otherwise perfect record.

Several standout players have emerged in the academy group, notably Harry Amass, who currently leads the pack, closely followed by the exceptional left-wing talent Ethan Williams, who has been in outstanding form this season.

Williams’ recent involvement in first-team training indicates that he has captured the attention of Erik ten Hag, making it imperative for him to be given an opportunity to showcase his abilities this season.

Here’s why he deserves the chance to demonstrate that he is the ideal understudy to Marcus Rashford and potentially his successor.

Ethan Williams emerges as a strong candidate to succeed Marcus Rashford based on his exceptional performance this season.

He has excelled at every opportunity, demonstrating his prowess across various levels of competition.

Dominating the U18 level, Williams has notched up four goals and four assists in six games, signaling that he has outgrown this level of competition.

He has also scored three goals in seven appearances at the U21 level, which is considered a lower standard team.

Particularly impressive is his performance in the UEFA Youth League, where he has scored twice and provided one assist in four matches.

Williams has displayed versatility in his scoring abilities, showcasing a diverse range of goals and exhibiting impressive finishing skills that could serve him well at higher levels of competition.

While there is no guarantee of significant first-team opportunities this season, he deserves some minutes on the pitch.

Currently, Marcus Rashford predominantly occupies the left-wing position, leaving Alejandro Garnacho as a more prominent figure on the right wing.

Williams possesses exceptional dribbling, technical ability, and physical attributes, making him an enticing prospect for the future and a potential candidate for a first-team breakthrough.

Considering Williams’ age and talent, it would be detrimental to confine him to the academy for too long, as witnessed with previous cases like Angel Gomes, who eventually left the club seeking better opportunities.

Therefore, a loan move to a League One or Championship club, where Williams can receive regular playing time in a conducive environment, could be beneficial for his development.

This experience would prepare him for future challenges and elevate his readiness for higher-level competitions.

While a loan move is a viable option for his progression, providing him with some involvement in the first team toward the end of the current season would offer valuable insights into his potential and readiness for top-tier football.