9 goals in 6 games - Manchester United have a new youngster to be very excited about

At a time when Manchester United's first-team are struggling to find the back of the net, they have a teenage striker who can't stop scoring goals.

United's forward line drew a blank against Crystal Palace on Saturday evening, extending their worrying record as the Premier League side have squandered the most big chances in the top-flight so far this season.

Erik ten Hag will hope the return of Rasmus Hojlund will sharpen their shooting, while Marcus Rashford will be raring to go after he was rotated at Selhurst Park to keep him fresh for the bumper fixture schedule that lies ahead.

If things still don't improve, then perhaps it wouldn't be so silly to suggest teenage striker Gabriele Biancheri could offer a helping hand after his goalscoring heroics at youth level. United paid a six-figure compensation fee to Cardiff City for his signature in February 2023 and he signed his first professional contract a year ago this month.

Earlier in the month we spoke of his fine start to the new season, and since then, he has only gone from strength to strength at youth level with nine goals in his fist six appearances of the new campaign. Having just turned 18 last week, Biancheri celebrated his birthday in style as he captained the U18s and bagged a brace in their 4-0 victory over Middlesbrough at the weekend.

The Welsh striker is oozing confidence right now and will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of teammate Ethan Wheatley, who made his senior debut last season after his own heroics at youth level.

With the Carabao Cup and Europa League campaigns soon to get under way, it might not be so ridiculous to suggest Biancheri could be one of the next youngsters to be given a first-team opportunity, particularly if those final Europa League group stage matches prove to become dead-rubbers with qualification already secured.

More immediately, he could get some valuable senior experience this week. The 18-year-old was on the bench for United's last EFL Trophy match against Barnsley, and will be hoping to go one better when they travel to face League Two side Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday night.

If he impresses against senior professionals in those type of matches, then there is no reason why he shouldn't be considered for a first-team debut at some stage this season.

United needs goals and Biancheri has nine of them already this season.