“It may be too early for some players, but we have made significant progress with these guys over the last 12 months. And there is another group just below them who I believe show the potential to be even better.”

Money added: “It is obviously a situation that none of us wanted and we want to be back in the Premier League as soon as possible. But it is a fact that managers are more prepared to throw young players in lower down the leagues, and they may get their chances.”

The most buzz surrounds Ranger, the England under-19 forward who was rewarded for his progress with a new long-term contract at the end of the season.

Another call-up for his country means that he will sit out a chunk of United’s pre-season campaign, but the smart money is on him making his debut for the club next season.

Certainly Shearer was impressed by the 18-year-old when he took over, hinting that he was not far away from being involved with the first XI. “Personally I think he will handle it if he is called up,” Money said of Ranger.

“Everything that we have asked of him, he has done without too much hassle. He is one player who could come in and made an impact very quickly, I believe. He certainly has the necessary quality and playing and scoring for his country illustrates that.”

With Shearer still in limbo, Money may be asked to play a more significant role in pre-season preparations under the temporary stewardship of Chris Hughton.

Conditioning coaches Robbie Elliott and Mark Hulse both left the club at the end of last week, leaving the coaching staff decidedly threadbare for the start of a crucial campaign for United.