Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag could well be looking to recruit a new right-back come the summer, with the Red Devils having been linked with moves for a variety of eye-catching talents in that role in recent times.

The likes of Bayer Leverkusen ace Jeremie Frimpong and Inter Milan's Denzel Dumfries were just two of the names to have been mentioned last month, with those claims having come amid the suggestion heading into the transfer window that Aaron Wan-Bissaka would be allowed to depart.

While the Englishman has since started the last seven league games in the absence of the injured Diogo Dalot, it remains to be seen if he truly retains the faith of his manager, having only played four minutes in all competitions prior to the World Cup break.

With the £50m addition from 2019 attracting notable Premier League interest of late, a departure seemingly can't be ruled out ahead of next season, hence the desire to look elsewhere for a quality alternative to the aforementioned Dalot.

However, rather than forking out another hefty fee on a possible new addition - amid a continued pursuit of a new striker and midfielder - Ten Hag could well help to save the club millions by looking to the youth ranks instead.

The Dutchman would no doubt be wise to hand a chance to 18-year-old starlet Marc Jurado, with the full-back having enjoyed an "impressive" development at Old Trafford in recent times, according to journalist Samuel Luckhurst, since making the move from Barcelona in 2020.

While the promising Spaniard is yet to feature in a competitive clash for United, he is clearly a player who could flourish if handed a chance, having previously been lauded as "one of the leaders of an extremely talented group of FC Barcelona players born in 2004" - including Gavi - by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

The "complete" ace - as described by Kulig - has showcased his creative talents so far this season with three goals and three assists from his right-sided berth at Premier League 2 level, having also demonstrated his valuable versatility by featuring in a more advanced role and at left-back.

The teenager had come to wider attention last season as a result of his role in United's FA Cup Youth triumph, having played the full 90 minutes in all six games in the competition, including the showpiece victory over Nottingham Forest.

A player of immense potential - having been compared to Real Madrid stalwart Dani Carvajal - Jurado has also earned the praise of former academy asset Paul McShane, who stated last March: "Marc Jurado is a great lad, he's got a great spirit about him. He's good around the training ground, he's good on the pitch, he's very vocal, wants to defend as well."

The youngster has since featured in the mid-season friendly defeat to Cadiz in December, with that perhaps suggesting that a proper first-team chance under Ten Hag may not be too far away.

As such, rather than harming the Spain U20 international's development by securing another high-profile signing, the former Ajax boss could instead take a gamble on the academy gem.