Man United's young guns paint an ominous picture for the rest of the Premier League

When people talk about young players and especially a group of youngsters, the first thought always seems to go to Arsene Wenger's ‘Young Gunners' but I think the current Manchester United crop of young players should be given more of a mention.

At the end of the F.A. Cup 5th round game against Derby, Manchester United finished the game with over half the side under the age of 23. With such a convincing win, albeit over Championship opposition the future of the United squad seems in very good hands (or feet, if you wish).

Players such as the Da Silva twins, Possebon, Jonny Evans and Danny Welbeck have integrated well into the side, coping with the pressures of first team football with ease. Rafael Da Silva has made the right-back slot his own, usurping the likes of Gary Neville and Wes Brown, something that is no mean feat. In Fabio Da Silva's brief first team outings, he has seemed just as assured as his brother, but he has the immaculate Patrice Evra for competition, so it may be a while before he inevitably takes the left-back slot.

Jonny Evans has been an integral part of the United defence this season, partnering both Ferdinand and Vidic to good effect. This has seen his reputation grow and can now be considered 3rd choice centre-back at Old Trafford, and a big future appears to be assured. Especially when he can make the attacking threat of Didier Drogba appear non-existent.

Darron Gibson gave a man of the match performance against Derby and is a former reserve team player of the year, but he is nearing a crossroads in his career and must take the first team opportunities he is given or move on to pastures new to further his career. Possebon does look to be an excellent acquisition and is on the fringes of the side, but may find it difficult to displace Carrick, Scholes, Anderson and Darren Fletcher.

How do you solve a problem like Carlos Tevez? With Danny Welbeck ... that's how. Welbeck has certainly looked impressive in his rare first team outings with impressive goals against Middlesbrough and Derby, a bright future is predicted for the local boy.

As Manchester United march on to another Premiership title, young players like the aforementioned can and will provide competition for the established stars which can only result in even more success for a team that regularly tastes that oh so sweet flavour.