Manchester United ex-academy players best starting XI

Kieran Richardson
Versatile Richardson has carved out an impressive Premier League career since departing the Red Devils in 2007. Now starring for high-flying Aston Villa, the experienced and adaptable 29-year-old has also proven himself a useful asset for top-flight clubs such as Sunderland, Fulham and West Bromwich Albion.

Paul Pogba
Pogba has only seen his stock rise since leaving Old Trafford, going on to make 95 appearances for Italian giants Juventus, which makes him the biggest fish to slip through United’s net. The promising 21-year old midfielder has already lifted two Serie A trophies and, after impressing for France at the World Cup, is expected to go on to be one of the world’s best in his position.

Matty James
James, whose brother Reece still plays for United’s reserves, rejected a new deal at Old Trafford in 2012 and has finally made his Premier League debut on his own terms with Leicester.

Still only 23, a move to a bigger club could be in the works for the underrated midfield maestro, who was crowned the Foxes’ Young Player of the Season last term, helping them to achieve promotion to the top flight.

Danny Drinkwater
Box-to-box midfielder Drinkwater has spent four seasons with Leicester since leaving United and is a permanent fixture in the side, having established a successful partnership with fellow Red Devils graduate James.

Drinkwater shared the praise with his clubmate last campaign, after being named the Foxes’ Player of the Season, as the East Midlands club lifted the Championship title.

Fraizer Campbell
Experienced striker Campbell opened his account for new club Crystal Palace last time out, and will be hoping to make a permanent home for himself with the Eagles. The 27-year-old was highly-rated during his time as a United academy product, which included successful loan spells with Royal Antwerp and Hull City.

Campbell also enjoyed a brief stint at Tottenham, but suffered relegation with former club Cardiff City last season.

Giuseppe Rossi
Italy attacker Rossi joined United’s youth ranks fairly late, aged 17, but failed to break into the first-team consistently. After making just five first-team starts for United, the classy forward was offloaded to Spanish side Villarreal.

Despite bad luck with injures, Rossi has scored 113 goals in 264 career appearances. He now plies his trade for Fiorentina and netted 17 times for the Serie A team last term.

Danny Welbeck
Welbeck could yet be the biggest thorn in the Red Devils’ side as the Manchester club battle for a Champions League spot. The 23-year-old striker joined Arsenal in what was surprising summer switch, having played for United since he was just eight years old.

England forward Welbeck has been in prolific form since his Old Trafford exit, bagging a brace on international duty and providing a goal and an assist last time out for the Gunners, meaning he leads the line in our starting XI.