Eight youngsters who could save Man United millions after Ruben Amorim opportunities

In the absence of several senior figures at Carrington on Monday, new Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim invited a crop of the club's academy players to participate in first-team training.

Over the years, it has not been uncommon for players from either the Under-21s or the Under-18s to make the step-up to first-team training to make up the numbers, meaning there is no guarantee those who were involved on Monday will still be in situ by the end of this week once more members of the international contingent return.

Nevertheless, being handed the opportunity to train in front of the new boss on his first day on the training ground must have felt significant for the likes of Godwill Kukonki, Jim Thwaites and Finley McAllister.

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Amorim is understood to be a big supporter of developing young players and bringing through academy-developed players. United's youth system is considered as one of the best in the world and there is a a growing collection of talent within it which is already attracting plenty of attention.

Amorim's arrival at Old Trafford marks the beginning of a new dawn. His appointment has created a sense of excitement and optimism, meaning the slate has been wiped clean.

With that in mind, MEN Sport has selected eight United youngsters who will be aspiring to become part of Amorim's long-term plans, even though several of them are still some way off becoming first-team options.

Godwill Kukonki

Centre-back Kukoni, 16, trained with United's first-team stars on Monday, giving Amorim the opportunity to have a first look at him. The defender, who is left-footed, is considered as one of the promising operators within the club's academy.

Both very physical and technical with the ball, Kukonki also has the capacity to play at left-back. He has made eight appearances for United's under-18s in the Under-18s Premier League so far this season, scoring one goal.

Jim Thwaites

Thwaites, who is also 16, has developed a reputation for becoming a free-kick specialist in recent weeks after scoring from dead-ball situations against both Nottingham Forest and Everton for the Under-18s. The midfielder has four goals and two assists in nine Under-18s Premier League appearances this term.

Considered as one of the jewels in United's academy crown, Thwaites, who turns 17 next month, is a player to keep a very close eye on. He has already made two appearances for the Under-21s.

Jack Fletcher

Fletcher, 17, is already much further along in his development than the aforementioned duo, already making the first-team matchday squad on four occasions. Although he did not make it off the bench on any of those occasions, both Erik ten Hag and Ruud van Nistelrooy were confident enough to select him.

The son of former United midfielder Darren, the former Manchester City youngster is already a regular for United's Under-21s and has also played in the EFL Trophy this season. He trained with the first-team as early as November last year.

Sekou Kone

Midfielder Kone is one of the most recent additions at Carrington, joining United in August in a deal worth £1million from Guidars FC. The Mali youth international, who was forced off injured in the Under-21s' 4-1 defeat to Huddersfield Town in the EFL Trophy last week, is a player United staff believe has first-team potential.

Early indications suggest Kone has the skillset required by almost every modern-day midfielder, in the sense he can make a tackle and drive forward with the ball. He is technically gifted, too. However, at the age of just 18, United will need to take his development one step at a time.

Bendito Mantato

As already reported by the Manchester Evening News, Mantato is a player who could become a first-team player under Amorim. The 16-year-old, who was once a defender, has been in great form for the Under-18s so far this season, scoring six goals in eight Under-18s Premier League appearances.

Predominantly a right-sided player, Mantato is fast, is an excellent dribbler and has an eye for goal, highlighted by his attacking numbers so far this season. Turning 17 in January, he could be a realistic wing-back option for United in the future because of his previous experience as a defender.

Shea Lacey

Despite only being 17, Lacey is a player who feels as though as he been around for quite some time already. He is one of the academy's most exciting prospects and he will be itching to progress this season after injury issues over the last 12 months or so.

An exciting wide player, the youngster signed his first professional contract at Old Trafford earlier this year. If he stays injury-free and enjoys a successful season from here on in, he is a player to pay very close attention to over the next 12 months.

Gabriele Biancheri

Few players within United's academy have commanded as much attention as Biancheri has so far this season. The former Cardiff City youngster is enjoying a prolific campaign in front of goal, scoring 16 goals in just 14 games across all youth settings.

An excellent finisher inside the penalty area, the Wales youth international is a very exciting prospect. If his goalscoring form continues, he will naturally become a player supporters beg to see given a first-team opportunity.

Chido Obi-Martin

He couldn't be left off the list, could he? The former Arsenal man is currently the most talked about player in United's academy. Signed in the summer, he required a mini pre-season before being let loose for the first time.

The soon-to-be 17-year-old required just 14 minutes of his full debut for the Under-18s to score a hat-trick, helping United beat Forest 6-0 at Carrington last month. He has since added another goal and an assist to his collection. He is one to watch very, very closely.