The United nations give hope for the future
Jan 21 2009 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal
United's stars for the future
TÁMÁS KÁDAR
Position: Defender
Date of birth: March 14, 1990
Nationality: Hungarian
Previous club: Zalaegerszegi TE
Able to play left-back or centre-half, the Hungarian (main picture, left) Under-19 international appears to be closing in on his first-team debut after being named as an unused substitute in the FA Cup third round replay defeat to Hull City. He is reckoned by many to be the best of the academy’s foreign imports.
FRANK WIAFE DANQUAH
Position: Striker
Date of birth: October 14, 1991
Nationality: Dutch
Previous club: Ajax
A product of the famed Ajax academy, Danquah’s performances for the reserves last season earned him a two-year contract.
TIM KRUL
Position: Goalkeeper
Date of birth: April 3, 1988
Nationality: Dutch
Previous club: ADO Den Haag
The first of United’s overseas youngsters, Krul was signed during Graeme Souness’s time. Viewed in his homeland as a potential successor to Edwin van der Sar, United’s biggest problem will be holding on to a player who has been furthering his reputation on loan at Carlisle United.
NILE RANGER
Position: Striker
Date of birth: April 11, 1991
Nationality: English
Previous club: Southampton
An exciting prospect with a colourful past, the Londoner has been prolific in his first season with United’s junior teams, with four goals for the reserves and 14 for the Under-18s.
OLE SÖDERBERG
Position: Goalkeeper
Date of birth: July 20, 1990
Nationality: Swedish
Previous club: Hacken FC
Even beneath the first team, United have an embarrassment of riches in goal. The Swedish under-18 international signed a year ago on a four-and-a-half-year deal.
JAMES TAVERNIER
Position: Defender
Date of birth: October 31, 1991
Nationality: English
Previous club: Leeds United
The full-back or centre-half was at Leeds United between the ages of nine and 15 until the Magpies signed him on a two-year scholarship in July.
BEN TOZER
Position: Defender
Date of birth: March 8, 1980
Nationality: English
Previous club: Swindon Town
Tozer started out with his home town club Plymouth Argyle but made his professional debut for Swindon Town against Charlton Athletic as a 17-year-old. After impressing in an FA Cup tie against Everton, he signed for United until 2012 for a fee rising to £250,000.
FABIO ZAMBLERA
Position: Striker
Date of birth: April 7, 1990
Nationality: Italian
Previous club: Atalanta
As a tall, fast Italy under-18s striker with an eye for goal, Zamblera arrived at St James’s Park with high expectations on his shoulders on deadline day last year. Yet to figure in a first-team 18.
WESLEY NGO BAHENG
Position: Midfielder
Date of birth: September 23, 1989
Nationality: French
Previous club: Le Havre
Baheng joined from Charles N’Zogbia’s former club Le Havre a year ago (thankfully in less controversial circumstances) and was immediately thrown into a reserve-team game against Sunderland, which he handled well.
