According to Manchester United legend Gary Neville, Manchester United should seize the opportunity to grant their 18-year-old sensation the spotlight this season, as he appears to be the ideal successor to Rashford.

Manchester United’s youth academy is brimming with talent, and one player who could potentially fill Marcus Rashford’s shoes is already making waves. This season, the under-18 squad has been exceptional, dominating the U18 Premier League with near-flawless results, with just one draw marring an otherwise perfect run.

Among the rising stars, Harry Amass has emerged as a standout, but it’s the impressive left-winger Ethan Williams who is turning heads with his outstanding performances. Williams’ recent invitation to train with the first team suggests he’s captured the attention of manager Erik ten Hag, signaling that this could be his chance to step up and prove his worth.

Williams has consistently delivered top performances, marking him as a strong candidate to eventually replace Rashford. His impact has been evident across various levels of competition. At the U18 level, he has tallied four goals and four assists in just six games, showing he has outgrown that stage. His progress continues with three goals in seven outings for the U21s, a slightly less competitive environment.

Perhaps most impressively, Williams has excelled in the UEFA Youth League, where he registered two goals and an assist in four matches, showcasing his versatility in front of goal. His ability to score in various ways and his composed finishing highlight his potential to thrive at higher levels.

Although it’s uncertain how much first-team action he’ll see this season, there’s a strong case for giving Williams some minutes. With Marcus Rashford dominating the left wing and Alejandro Garnacho more established on the right, Williams’ technical ability, dribbling prowess, and physical attributes make him a promising option for the future.

It would be a mistake to keep him in the academy for too long, as Manchester United has seen with players like Angel Gomes, who left in search of more opportunities. A loan spell to a League One or Championship side could provide Williams with the regular game time he needs to further develop in a competitive yet supportive setting.

While a loan would be beneficial, offering Williams a taste of first-team football this season would also allow him to experience top-level play and gauge how ready he is for the next step in his career.