Manchester United will be keen for double starlet success

Academy

Manchester United have built up a global reputation of possessing some of the worlds best footballers. From Cristiano Ronaldo and George Best to Eric Cantona and Ruud van Nistelrooy, United have always had world class players in their squad.

But what United are really renowned for is the talent which they nurture through their famous academy and on the rare occasion, brothers will come through the ranks together.

The most famous brothers to come through the academy system to represent the club at the same time are of course Gary and Phil Neville, but more recently we have had the Da Silva twins. Now, there are some kids on the block.

Stockport born William and Michael Keane are the next set of brothers which have got the fans talking.

Michael is a 6″2 centre back who has been a key figure in United’s Under-21s over the past few seasons. He had a very successful loan spell at Leicester City in 2012/13 and helped guide them into the play off’s. He has also become a key figure of England’s Under-21s side and has made four appearances for the national team despite still being just 20.

Many coaches at the club believe that Michael has the potential to be a huge success at the club with his cool, calm and cautious style of play that fits in so well at United.

His twin brother Will is a player you may not know much about. After being one of the stand-out players in United’s academy teams, Will was on the brink of stardom in 2012 but after damaging his knee ligaments whilst representing England Under-19s, he was ruled out for over a year.

Despite his long injury lay off, Keane made a tremendous return to United’s Under-21 side and scored in his first game back in the 4-1 victory over Bolton last Monday night.

He looked as if he’d never been a way.

After a slow start, he got into his rhythm and used his physique to cause the Bolton defenders problems with constant movement across the back line. He possesses a superb turn of speed and an even better eye for goal, so it is no wonder why coaches at the club believe that Will can be a perfect replacement for Robin van Persie once he decides to hang up his boots.

What stands out to those who watch Will is his attitude. Despite him being an out and out centre forward, if he loses the ball his willingness to win it back is second to none. This trait is good to see in the modern game with the striker’s role becoming more specific with fewer chances to track back.

If both players stay injury free and keep improving like they have been doing, many fans believe that the Keane twins can go on to amass as many appearances as the Neville brothers did. They may not be identical in looks but they will hopefully have identical United careers.