United Youngster Etches Old Trafford Future, But In Which Position?

Much of the attention focused on Manchester United currently concerns who David Moyes could possibly add to his seemingly ailing side, but with the man Sir Alex Ferguson earmarked as Paul Scholes' replacement excelling at Wigan Athletic, he may already have the answer.

The Latics 1-1 draw with formidable Europa League opponents Rubin Kazan was marked by another increasingly notorious long range effort from 19-year-old Nick Powell, sent out on loan from Old Trafford this summer to gain more first team opportunities.

With Adnan Januzaj, who Powell combined with so effectively for United's Under-21 ranks last season, filling the role as David Moyes' young pretender back in Manchester, Powell has taken penetrative steps to throwing his name into the mix when he returns having racked up four goals in his last seven games for Wigan.

While Ferguson's early comparisons were eagerly accepted by fans, Powell's initial forays in the Championship have seen him occupy a more advanced position for Owen Coyle's side, often leading the Wigan line with Grant Holt, the club's only other established option up front.

His exploits on the pitch draw further comparisons with United' retired midfield maestro. Scholes began his career as a second striker before eventually dropping to a more traditional two-man midfield alongside Roy Keane, where his telling runs into the six yard box remained a striking facet of his game.

The arrival of Juan Sebastian Veron gave Scholes a renewed licence to roam in 2002 where he occupied the space behind Ruud van Nistelrooy to great success, striking 20 goals for the season for the first time in his career.

While the role Moyes and United have in mind for Powell remains open to debate, his current boss has seemingly already decided the former Crewe Alexandra youngster is capable of soon joining Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge as England's chief striking options.

"After the season with us he will be good enough to go back and challenge (for a place at United)," Coyle said following his side's 1-1 with Rubin.

"He still has a lot to improve on and he will tell you that but he has ability.

"He is such a talented lad and I just want to get the best out of him. I'm giving him a platform and a wee bit of wisdom from my own playing days but he has to push himself on and you could see from his performance he is doing that.

"As a manager I've worked with many international strikers and there is no doubt Nick Powell can go on to achieve that level."

Strikers would be the one position on the pitch where United don't immediately require another option, while the central midfield area is crying for renewed verve and invention.

While the role Powell will end up occupying upon his return to Manchester remains a topic open to interpretation and wild assumptions, it's not a bad problem for Moyes to be faced with when the time comes.