It's a very exciting time to be a Manchester United fan.

After the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, the club have been in a state of limbo; with both managers that were brought in to replace the legendary manager failed to produce what was expected of them.

Fast forward a couple of years however, and there is renewed hope around Manchester. Jose Mourinho has been brought in, and the Portuguese has spared no expense in building his new look Manchester United side.

And whilst much of the attention at the club has been focused towards the new signings; there are a number of forgotten Manchester United talents that could find themselves a key part of the United squad next season.

Certain players simply didn't fit in under previous managership, and others have simply been out of form; Jose Mourinho could be the man to bring these players back to the foreground.

With that, here are FIVE surprising Man United players that could become stars next season...

Ander Herrera

Ander Herrera has always been a fan favourite during his time at Manchester United, but for whatever reason Louis Van Gaal simply didn't rate him.

He possesses a determination that really connected with the United faithful, and a number of top performances quickly made him popular amongst United fans and neutrals alike.

His hard-working style and ability to find a pass out of nowhere are qualities that will really appeal to Jose Mourinho, and as a result he could find himself back in the first team fold on a more regular basis next season.

It is always difficult to come in and impress without getting a run of games, and hopefully under Mourinho he will get that opportunity.

He really has the potential to become a star.

Morgan Schneiderlin

Another player that didn't quite fit in under Louis Van Gaal; Morgan Schneiderlin is the perfect Jose Mourinho player.

His size and stature draws a number of parallels with Mourinho favourite Nemanja Matic, and his ability to pick out a pass probably places him just in front of the Chelsea man.

With Jose Mourinho having reportedly missed out on signing Matic from Chelsea this summer, Schneiderlin could be the next best thing.

The players are definitely not one and the same, with Matic typically offering more defensively than Schneiderlin; but expect the Frenchman to become a key part of the United outfit next season.

Adnan Januzaj

It seems like the same old story this summer for Adnan Januzaj.

Each summer he is thrust into the spotlight, and expected to immediately find himself in the United first team, typically followed by disappointment for the young Belgian.

However - this summer might be different. Januzaj has been on fire so far during pre-season; and Jose Mourinho has shown no aversion to utilising young players if he feels that they are at a level in which they could contribute.

If Januzaj keeps up his pre-season form going forward, Mourinho could have no choice but to utilise him.

This summer is make or break for young Januzaj; so you can bet he will be going all in to make it work.

Mateo Darmian

Matteo Damian debut season was a good one in Manchester; but he still, for some reason, has not received the plaudits that he deserved.

Despite winning a couple of Player of the Month awards last season, and looking generally comfortable in the United back line - it would appear that his position in the United side is not safe.

He has been linked with a move abroad all summer long, and it remains to be seen whether he will remain in Manchester going forward.

A recent picture revealed he was back in training, and he looked fit and raring to go as he prepares for the next year.

Despite Mourinho reportedly open to selling the defender, if he were to retain him; we think he would be surprised. Damian is a very good, if not spectacular, defensive full back; and will no doubt do a job for United next season.

He has already proved himself a good player with United; next season he could become a real star if he is allowed to stay.

Wayne Rooney

It seems absolutely ridiculous to describe Wayne Rooney as a surprising star - but the verdict is very much out on the Manchester United front man.

Played out of position for the last few seasons, United fans have been calling for his head; with the once prolific front man lacking the goals and general play that the United faithful are used to.

Next season however, it could be all change - Mourinho is a huge fan of the England striker, and has already reiterated his desire to play Rooney in his natural position,  as a number 9.

Moving back to his preferred position could do wonders for Rooney,  especially with a manager that has complete faith in him.

Mourinho is renowned for getting the best out of his players, and it would not be a surprise to see Rooney back at the top of the goalscoring charts next season.