Is Gabriele Biancheri next in line to make first-team Man United breakthrough?

Man United have seemingly unearthed another gem in the form of Gabriele Biancheri, who is tearing it up at U18 level to start this campaign.

Manchester United are arguably the best club in the world when it comes to youth development, along with FC Barcelona.

Erik ten Hag has proudly continued that mantra, handing big-time minutes to the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho.

As supporters, our eyes are always glancing towards the future. The likes of Shea Lacey, Chido Obi-Martin and many others are all catching the attention. However, at the start of this campaign, a new starlet is seemingly being born; Gabriele Biancheri.

United acquired the Welshman from Cardiff City just last year, with the forward not hanging around and wasting any time.

Biancheri has been featuring heavily for the U18s this season, starting in every game and showcasing his quality – particularly when in front of goal.

The 18-year-old United starlet has scored nine goals in six games, proving why he could be the next breakout star at the Theatre of Dreams. He has a calmness and an excitement around him already and if you tune into watch the young reds, it’s easy to see why. Biancheri already looks a cut above this level.

So what’s the next step?

If Biancheri keeps this form up, I don’t think it’ll be long at all before we see him in action at U21 level. There’s only so much the man from Wales will learn at the U18 group, before he’s reached his limit. I genuinely believe he’s already forcing United’s hand in that regard and it’s only a matter of time before the leap up is made.

For now, Biancheri has to focus solely on playing his football and helping his team to important victories.

In the long run, I’d already assume Ten Hag is earmarking Biancheri for a place in the 2025 pre-season tour squad, which will likely be the forward’s first real taste of what it’s like to run out for the Manchester United first-team. He will be looking at the likes of Toby Collyer and Harry Amass as his inspiration. Both are banging on the door after impressive pre-seasons.

I guess now it’s about remaining consistent and perhaps more importantly, staying fit. You look at the aforementioned Shea Lacey. His young career has been significantly derailed by a multi-month injury. He’s back fit now, though disruption at a young age has real potential to set you back by multiple years. Biancheri will be keeping everything crossed to avoid that scenario.

United also have to play their part and keep Biancheri grounded. He can learn an awful lot from Kobbie Mainoo in that regard, as the Englishman hasn’t once let the fame that first-team exposure can bring go to his head.

For now, we must continue to enjoy watching Biancheri at youth level – and let the young man develop at his own pace.

Do you think Gabriele Biancheri has what it takes to make it at Man United? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.