Currently, Manchester United's first team is up against a lot of challenges, and a number of promising young players are demonstrating their growth away from Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag and his team are preparing to resume their Europa League campaign after picking up another victory in the Premier League against struggling Everton this Saturday lunchtime. The Dutchman can, however, also afford to keep an eye on how the younger generation is faring.
Following a number of loanees' appearances during the Easter schedule, here is a roundup:
Alvaro Fernández - Preston North End
As Preston welcomed Reading to Deepdale on Monday afternoon, they were included on the team sheet. The Lancashire team, who had won four of their previous five Championship games, came up with a late winner to maintain their play-off hopes, and Fernandez had a hand in the first one.
Although Preston had played one fewer game than Blackburn Rovers, it was his assist for Thomas Cannon that helped settle the score and tie the game. Fernandez's overlapping run and cross from the left wing-back position resulted in his fourth assist for the team.
Brad Potts' winning goal in the 92nd minute gave Preston a 2-1 victory.
Amad Diallo - Sunderland
With a close victory over Cardiff City on Monday afternoon, Sunderland rekindled their play-off aspirations. Despite playing 90 minutes here, in-form Diallo, who has 11 goals this season, including three in his last four games, did not need to make a significant contribution.
Ethan Laird - QPR
Laird watched the action from the dugout as West Brom and QPR played out a tense tie. Another player was denied playing time during that match. As they fight to avoid being demoted, QPR are two points above the relegation zone.
Ethan Galbraith - Salford City
Despite starting at number 10 against AFC Wimbledon, Galbraith only played for 45 minutes before being replaced by Matt Smith at halftime with the Ammies down a goal. Even though he wasn't present, there was some dramatic last-second action thanks to Callum Hendry, who scored twice in extra time to complete the comeback and secure a 3-2 victory despite missing a penalty in the 92nd minute!
Charlie McNeil - Newport County
On Easter Monday, McNeill was nearby as he once more found himself in the starting XI at Edgeley Park against Stockport County. The youthful forward and his Newport colleagues had little to cheer about, though, as they were trounced 4-0 by the League Two promotion contenders, who moved up to third position as a result of the lopsided match.
Dishon Bernard - Portsmouth
The young center back was an unused substitute who did not play as relegation-threatened Morecambe held Portsmouth to a scoreless draw at their Fratton Park home. Bernard, a 22-year-old center back, has only made one start since February.
Hannibal Mejbri - Birmingham City
In a dead-rubber match between Birmingham and Stoke City, the scores were level at St. Andrews. However, Hannibal was unable to increase the number of his 33 appearances this season and hasn't started since last month.
Maxi Oyedele - Altrincham
Despite coming off the bench to start Altrincham's Good Friday match against Oldham Athletic, the young player had a memorable performance. Oyedele's spectacular volley goal, his third in nine National League games this season, helped his loan team win a point.
Manager of Altrincham Phil Parkinson gave that some fairly high praise. "Maxi was inspirational when he came on in terms of driving us forward, organizing people," he said on the club website.
"Great leadership qualities for an 18-year-old, brilliant to see. He galvanised us. Maxi was outstanding."
On Easter Monday, Joe Hugill and Maxi Oyedele both started for Altrincham against Gateshead, although Altrincham lost 1-0. Notably absent was Sonny Aljofree.
Shola Shoretire - Bolton Wanderers
Shola Shoretire played 59 minutes as Bolton earned a point against Cambridge United on Monday to strengthen their League One play-off push. Ian Evatt's team briefly took the lead through Declan John when Shoretire was replaced in a triple change, but Cambridge ultimately responded.
Charlie Savage - Forest Green Rovers
After losing to Wycombe Wanderers, Forest Green is staring relegation in the face and must win all five of its remaining games to have any hope of staying up. Before Myles Peart-Harris entered the game to take Savage's place after 64 minutes, Savage was once more listed on the squad sheet.
The 19-year-old Savage made his ninth appearance at Adams Park, accumulating 707 total minutes.
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