Man Utd: 5 Once Promising Youngsters Who Faded Into Obscurity

By Joseph Dempsey /

This season has been one of upheaval for Manchester United thus far. Since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, the defending English champions have gone through a change in backroom staff, a poor pre-season campaign and an equally as poor transfer window. On the pitch, form has been indifferent, with the Red Devils winning just half of their opening 10 Premier League games, picking up 17 points from a possible 30, currently sitting 8th in the table. That represents United's worst start to a league campaign since 1989, the year this particular writer was born. Indeed, there has been very little to cheer about if you're a United fan thus far, though there has been one ray of light shining through on an overcast Old Trafford - Adnan Januzaj. The 18-year-old has been something of a revelation since making his competitive debut for the Reds this season, scoring two goals from six games. His presence alone makes United's tired-looking midfield suddenly look more lively, and he is a real gem - but should we show reticence before getting carried away with ourselves? For every Adnan Januzaj, there has been a "Kiko" Macheda - a promising starlet who initially impressed, but then faded away. And here, we take a look at 5 Once Promising Man Utd Youngsters Who Faded Into Obscurity.