Manchester United fans love to see a young player step up into the first team and the rise of Kobbie Mainoo has arguably been the biggest positive of this season.
Mainoo has showed poise and composure far beyond his years and has been a shining light in a disappointing campaign.
United have called upon another youngster of late with Willy Kambwala stepping up to partner Harry Maguire in the heart of defence.
Kambwala impressed against Liverpool but had a few more problems in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Bournemouth.
The Frenchman has shown enough talent to suggest that he could feature in the United first team for years to come.
Intriguingly, Erik ten Hag wanted to use another young United defender in recent weeks – but has been prevented from doing so.
Erik ten Hag prevented from using Sonny Aljofree
The Sun report via United ‘insiders’ that Ten Hag has wanted to use Sonny Aljofree in the first team.
It’s claimed that United’s defensive injuries opened up a chance for Aljofree to step up to the bench.
The report even claims that Aljofree could have started against Liverpool in the FA Cup last month.
The problem is that Aljofree is on loan at non-league side Altrincham until the end of the season.
Aljofree’s deal allows for joint registration, meaning he is available for Altrincham as well as United’s Under-21’s.
That doesn’t carry over to the first team though and Aljofree has therefore been prevented from playing.
Kambwala is taking his chance at the moment but it could have been Aljofree being thrown into the fire had the registration rules allowed for him to feature in the first team.
Who is United talent Aljofree?
Aljofree is the son of former United academy coach Hasney Aljofree, who started his own playing career at Old Trafford.
A centre back in his playing days, Aljofree senior turned out for the likes of Bolton Wanderers, Dundee United, Plymouth Argyle, Sheffield Wednesday, Swindon Town and Oldham Athletic.
Sonny has risen through the ranks at United and now serves as the captain of the Under-21 side.
Aljofree has played 16 times in Premier League 2 this season, scoring one goal and picking up one red card.
The teenager turned out for United’s Under-21’s on Friday, playing the full 90 minutes in a 3-0 Old Trafford defeat against Liverpool.
Aljofree appears to be on Ten Hag’s radar, even if only due to the injury woes at centre back this season, and he is a talent to watch for the coming years.