Manchester United's second string might have been relegated to the second tier of under-23s football last season but there is reason for optimism among the Reds' youth ranks at present.
Jose Mourinho berated the lack of talent at his disposal on the United production line on the first team's tour of America in the summer, but there are a number of prospects who have caught the eye this season and are bridging the gap to the first team.
United's under-18s have won ten of their 12 games this season, while Nicky Butt's under-19s have won their group in the UEFA Youth League with three wins from four games.
That success has been replicated - to a certain degree - by Ricky Sbragia's under-23s side who topped the Premier League 2 Division 2 until successive defeats against Wolves and Newcastle saw them slip to fourth, three points off top spot.
We've had a look at who is knocking on the door to Mourinho's first-team squad with just over a quarter of the season gone.
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Mason Greenwood
The 17-year-old signed his first professional deal at Old Trafford in October after a remarkable start to the campaign that has seen him score 15 goals in 14 games for the under-18s, 19s and 23s.
Greenwood was part of Mourinho's travelling squad for the tour of America in the summer and hasn't looked back since, with his impressive displays sparking calls for his inclusion in the first-team set up.
The Bradford-born striker has proved a class apart as both a striker and a winger in the under-18s this season, where he has been involved in a remarkable 15 goals in eight games.
He has handled himself admirably in his two appearances for the under-23 side, with his maiden strike coming in his debut away at Wolves last month.
Tahith Chong
There was some surprise that Jose Mourinho didn't turn to Tahith Chong when United were 1-0 down against Juventus in the Champions League in October.
The 18-year-old was on the bench at Old Trafford and, after Paulo Dybala had put the Serie A side ahead, and his pace could have added a new dynamic to a United side struggling for ideas going forward.
Chong has scored five goals in 12 games this season - from a wide position - and has been particularly impressive with his showings in the UEFA Youth League.
The Dutchman suffered a serious knee injury that kept him sidelined for the majority of 2017, but the winger has kicked on since his return to the fold and looks, at present, the most likely of the prospects to be considered for a role in the first-team squad.
Matej Kovar
A January recruit from Czech outfit FC Slovacko, Matej Kovar impressed on trial at United and has been highly regarded at the club ever since. He was previously on trial at West Ham and his rise at Old Trafford has been noteworthy, with Jose Mourinho including him in the first-team squad at the start of the season in the absence of Sergio Romero and Lee Grant, both of whom were injured.
The 18-year-old has featured for both the under-19s and the under-23s this season, and has amassed four clean sheets in his 12 appearances.
Kovar has earned particular praise for his ability on the ball, with his composure particularly noticeable when playing on an artificial surface in the under-19s' Youth League game against Juventus last month.
DJ Buffonge
The former Arsenal and Fulham prospect joined United in 2015 after impressing United coaches, including Nicky Butt, and has been among the goals this season.
Now 20, Buffonge realistically has a year to bridge the gap to the first-team, and his performances in the under-23s this season have been encouraging.
The Londoner has scored three goals in nine outings for the under-23s - a reasonable return for a midfeidler.
Aidan Barlow
The Salfordian ensured United's under-19s maintained their unbeaten record in the Youth League with a late penalty against Juventus earlier this month.
And that was enough to persuade Jose Mourinho to include Barlow in his first-team training squad ahead of the Manchester Derby, with Paul Pogba out injured.
The midfielder, 18, has been quietly excellent at times for the under-19s and under-23s this season, scoring twice in nine games in all competitions.
Angel Gomes
Angel Gomes might be burdened with comparisons to his England teammate Phil Foden after their success at the under-17s World Cup last year but the 18-year-old has displayed his impressive efficiency in front of goal this campaign.
The midfielder, who has been used in a range of positions across midfield, has scored five goals in 12 appearances - with two assists - that included a brilliant strike against Stoke on his 18th birthday in August.
Gomes has captained Nicky Butt's side in the UEFA Youth League this season after travelling with the first team on the tour of America in the summer.
Lee O'Connor
Lee O'Connor's 14 appearances for United's under-19s and under-23s this season have been so consistent that Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill deemed him worthy of a call up to the senior side for the Republic's game against Denmark on Monday night.
The defender has captained Ireland at Under-19 level and replaces John Egar, who has been ruled out through injury.
O'Connor joined United in the summer of 2016 and was shortlisted for the youth team player of the year award last season, before impressing for the second-string this campaign.
Doing well on loan
Dean Henderson
Dean Henderson has been cutting his teeth to great effect with Sheffield United in the Championship this season.
The 21-year-old reportedly only signed a new contract at Old Trafford in the summer on the proviso that the club allowed him to go out on loan, and his form this season has seen him become the first choice stopper in Aidy Boothroyd's England under-21 squad.
The M.E.N. revealed in October that the goalkeeper had been watched by United in every one of his Blades appearances, which have seen him keep four clean-sheets in 17 outings for the Bramall Lane outfit.
Axel Tuanzebe
Axel Tuanzebe celebrated his 21st birthday this week and has managed to keep his starting berth in the Aston Villa side despite the Championship club sacking manager Steve Bruce.
The United prospect has impressed his replacement, Dean Smith, and credits the influence of John Terry - Smith's assistant - for his development into a mature, ball-playing centre-half during his second loan spell in as many seasons at Villa Park.
"He helps me a lot every day and continuously gives me pointers on how to improve my game," he said of the former Chelsea captain. "He is always available for when I need him and offers himself to help me and the team."
