Manchester United’s most famous eras were built around their academy products, so why not give the current crop a chance to shine?

Watching Manchester United succumb meekly against Como and Bournemouth brought to mind questions and comparisons with yesteryear. Two of United’s most famous eras were built around their youth players: the Busby Babes and the Class of ’92. Could this be a moment for Michael Carrick to give their most talented academy products a meaningful chance?

In February 2025 I saw United beat Arsenal 3-2 in the FA Youth Cup at the Emirates Stadium. Jack and Tyler Fletcher did well for United and so did Harry Amass, a signing from Watford. Max Dowman, a generational talent, starred for Arsenal.

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⚽ Premier League: 10 things to look out for | Mail Andy

Dejan Kulusevski returned to competitive action for Tottenham after a 17-month injury layoff to play the last few minutes in the club’s 3-1 home victory against Coventry last week and followed that up with another substitute appearance in Saturday’s win at Chelsea.

Kulusevski had multiple setbacks after knee surgery in May 2025. But a second procedure in March finally set him on the road to recovery.

Bruno Fernandes owes Manchester United a performance, Mathys Tel has arrived at Spurs and Liverpool are improving

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Michael Carrick and Bruno Fernandes held clear-the-air talks this week. Fernandes was an unused substitute against Bournemouth after criticising Carrick’s tactics during the Champions League defeat at Como but it seems the situation has been resolved – for now. Dropping Fernandes did not do United any good against Bournemouth, who ran riot at Old Trafford, and the captain is expected to return to the starting lineup for the trip to Chelsea. If that happens, he owes Carrick a performance. Fernandes has been poor this season and it is time he did his talking on the pitch. Jacob Steinberg

Chelsea v Manchester United, Saturday 12.30pm (all times GMT)

Manchester City v Brighton, Saturday 3pm

Spurs had an awful start but, after an impressive win at Chelsea, they are suddenly looking up at the table

By Opta Analyst

In reality, it was only three points. All Tottenham took from their 2-0 win at Chelsea last Saturday evening was a helpful boost in the Premier League standings. But it feels far more significant than that.

This is a fixture Tottenham almost never win. In their 34 previous visits to Chelsea in the Premier League, they had won only once. It was their first win to nil at Stamford Bridge in any competition since December 1986, nearly 40 years ago. Winning at Chelsea is huge. Plenty of Spurs fans have only ever seen this happen once before, in April 2018 under Mauricio Pochettino, when their team was a formidable force.