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Manchester United's youngsters have plenty to look forward to in 2015.

With a manager who believes in youth at the helm at Old Trafford, players from the youth ranks can always feel that an opportunity is never too far away.

And there is no question a man who handed the likes of Andres Iniesta, Arjen Robben and Thomas Muller their debuts can certainly judge a player.

So who is likely to be next to make the step up at United? Here, we take a look at three candidates from the Under-21s who could make an impact this year.

Ben Pearson

With United's midfield having come under scrutiny regularly this season, it is something of a surprise that Ben Pearson has not been given a first-team chance. Even though he has enjoyed renaissance of late, a player with the qualities of Marouane Fellaini is patently not the future of United's midfield - and the same could be said of a fading Darren Fletcher. Pearson, on the other hand...

It is no coincidence that the Reds' ongoing 11-match unbeaten run started the very moment Michael Carrick returned to action, but there's an argument Pearson could have provided the cool head, quick feet and pinpoint passing that was sorely lacking during the former Tottenham man's absence.

Pearson has shown all those qualities for the Under-21s over the last 12 months, and played a key role in their journey to the final of the Premier League play-offs last season.

The Oldham-born starlet turned 20 just a few days ago and, when the Under-21 league resumes, is sure to pick up where he left off in terms of dominating midfields and providing a platform for his team-mates. If that happens, then Louis van Gaal will be unable to ignore him for long.

Saidy Janko

Janko is another who can perhaps feel aggrieved not to have been handed a real opportunity, particularly as United's injury crisis has been largely concentrated on their defence.

Patrick McNair and Tyler Blackett are just two of the defenders who have benefited from the need to constantly reshuffle but, with Rafael set to be sidelined yet again, could Janko be next?

As the Swiss right-back revealed back in August, he is au fait with the 3-5-2 system utilised by Van Gaal, unlike may of his fellow youth prospects. He said: "The Under-21s are still playing the same formation and not the system with three at the back but I’ve played there before in Switzerland for both FC Zurich and the international team as well. Obviously, it’s not at that [first team] level, though, so it would be different."

This could count in his favour, as could his impressive performances since his arrival from FC Zurich in 2013. Joyce has used Janko up and down the right flank and he has proved his ability as both a defender and attacker, which bodes well given the demands placed upon the modern full-back at senior level.

Janko was called up to the first team for the disastrous 4-0 defeat to MK Dons in the League Cup but was sacrificed at half-time - when the Reds were just 1-0 down - as Van Gaal changed the system entirely. Hopefully he has rightly escaped blame as a result and will be afforded another chance.

Andreas Pereira

Coincidentally, Pereira was the one to benefit from Janko's withdrawal against MK Dons, but had to endure the nightmare second half that cemented United's thrashing. The Belgium-born attacker did not cover himself in glory during that cameo, either, but still does not appear to be far from Van Gaal's thoughts.

He was included in the squad for the clashes with Newcastle and Tottenham over the festive period, which means he must be doing something right in training. He is certainly doing enough under Joyce in the Reserves, and is a regular starter in attack that rarely struggles to score goals.

Pereira's inconsistency is the only concern, though that is to be expected from a player of just 19 playing in one of the more difficult positions on the pitch: No.10. His winner at Anfield in the semi-final of the Under-21 Premier League play-offs last season underlined just how good he can be, however.

The former PSV Eindhoven prospect picked the ball up on the left-hand side before cutting in toward the corner of the area and unleashing an unstoppable curling effort that nestled into the top corner of the Kop net.

More flashes like that are needed but, even if he continues to improve, first-team chances may still be hard to come by. United are - and probably always will be - well-stocked in the forward positions, with world stars like Angel Di Maria and Juan Mata arriving on a regular basis.

Pereira has a battle on his hands to dislodge players of such quality, but don't rule it out in 2015.