No matter where they have been in the league, Manchester United has been able to attract some of the best talent from around the world. One aspect that that could be improved is their English talent securing places in the England national side. With only Marcus Rashford included in the last England squad, a player who is on loan from United and lacking a future with the club, the club are lacking in home grown talent being recognised by Thomas Tuchel.
With players like Harry Maguire, Mason Mount, Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo all in and around the England squad when fit, it is important that United players are represented by the national squad.
With that in mind, the United bosses have identified two talents from Sunderland that could be playing for United and England for years to come.
Sunderland youth to become United's next generation
The two players in question have both represented England already and are considered huge talents within the England hierarchy. Chris Rigg, who has played for the Under 19s, and Jobe Bellingham, who has represented the Under 21s. Both have been enjoying very good seasons with Sunderland as the Black Cats look poised to make the play offs this year.
With both playing central midfield, it indicates the intent from the head coach, Ruben Amorim that he wants to improve how United play in the middle of the park. With the departures of Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, and Kobbie Mainoo expected then United will be looking for new talent.
What can Jobe Bellingham bring to United?
Bellingham, brother of England international Jude, has enjoyed a rise through the leagues after featuring for Birmingham City in the Championship at just 16 years old. A move to Sunderland has seen Bellingham playing for a side at the top of the Championship.
He is a tireless worker and a player who can contribute at both ends of the pitch; he is a classic box to box player. However, Sunderland fans will attest to how disciplined he is and understand the role he needs to play within the side to help his team profit. With incredible ball retention and concentration, there is no reason why he could not be incredibly useful to Manchester United alongside Bruno Fernandes or Manuel Ugarte.
What can Chris Rigg bring to United?
Considered one of the brightest talents in England at the moment, United would face a lot of competition. Rigg is an attacking midfielder who, at just 17, is in his second full season with the North East outfit. Rigg is incredibly versatile and has featured in various positions through the centre and off from the right-hand side. However, his best position is in the attacking midfield position.
With Amorim's system allowing United players to drift inside into a number 10 position, Rigg has all the abilities to allow this to happen. An easy ability to dribble and run at players will help with the speed of attack that United has been lacking this season.
Rigg can be developed and observe how Amad Diallo has benefited from the Amorim system, as well as how Alejandro Garnacho is paying attention to Amorim, even if he is not yet prepared for the Premier League.
Is this a new recruitment method?
United have been poor in many aspects of the transfer market, but with the new regime in place, there is a big consideration for the future. With links like these two Sunderland players and the purchase of Chido Obi-Martin, Ayden Heaven, and Patrick Dorgu in January, United are changing things up. However, an overreliance on youth could backfire if not plugged alongside some more experienced players.
The method might need to be discarded, and many young talents, as highly rated as Bellingham and Rigg, may hesitate to join if there is no European football next year or a vision of United consistently securing European football each season. With the important game against Lyon in the 2nd leg at Old Trafford of the Europa League next month, there will be no chance of European football next season if they cannot beat the French outfit. United's recruitment will need Europe as a bargaining chip, no matter what transfers they make.