Whisper it quietly, but Manchester United are showing real signs of improvement under Ruben Amorim's management this season.

Shout it loudly: the Red Devils went to Anfield on Sunday afternoon and emerged victorious, having put Liverpool to the sword and condemned Arne Slot's side to four successive defeats.

That's three wins from four in the Premier League for United, who are certainly starting to find some semblance of coherence and style as they march back into European contention.

There's a lot to like within a burgeoning frontline, but Benjamin Sesko will be disappointed to have been left on the bench for the weekend win.

Why Sesko was left out of the starting line-up

Sesko had previously played his first two full 90s in the Premier League, and he scored on both occasions. The Slovenian centre-forward moved to Old Trafford this summer for a £72m fee, having shown plenty of promise previously with RB Leipzig.

There's no question that the 22-year-old has sharp footwork for such a rangy forward. He creates chances with comparative consistency while providing an aerial threat each game.

However, there's a case to be made that United are more fluid, interchangeable, when opting for Matheus Cunha in the middle, flanked by Mason Mount and Bryan Mbeumo.

But then, there's also a case to be made that the 6 foot 5 striker has the trappings of a world-class goalscorer, and must be trusted after such a pretty penny was spent on his signature this summer.

He's a talented forward, and there's a sense he will keep on improving in concurrence with United's own resurgence.

But Sesko might want to keep an eye on his six, for there's a prolific academy star over at Carrington who might just fancy a shot at the number nine berth in the coming years.

Man Utd's future number 9 could replace Sesko

Manchester United's academy is intertwined with the senior set-up. However, with Kobbie Mainoo out of favour, it would be nice to see a new starboy emerge from the ground and play a pivotal role in Amorim's system.

Well, JJ Gabriel might just be the forward United are searching for. The 15-year-old is a long way away from establishing himself on the professional stage, but he's developing at a prodigious rate, with ten goals and an assist from his first nine matches with the U18s.

Fast-tracked due to his innate ball-striking ability and dribbling skills, Gabriel could shape into a striker who would provide the best of both worlds for Amorim, blending Cunha and Mbuemo's athleticism with the sharpness of Sesko in the box.

Described as by "one of the most exciting talents in the world" by the Manchester Evening News' Steven Railston, Gabriel would hardly be the first to have made the trip from Carrington to superstardom under the Old Trafford lights, and he will use the fuel from the promotion of the class of 92' and, more recently, the likes of Marcus Rashford.

Also hailed as a "goalscoring machine" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Gabriel might only be 15 but if he keeps on firing at such a clinical rate, he could make his senior bow sooner rather than later, with Angel Gomes Man United's youngest-ever Premier League debutant at 16 years and eight months old.

The England U15 international, yet to score across six caps, has what it takes to become a success at Man United, but though this is a player to keep a close eye on, his physical and mental development must be prioritised at this stage, and we won't see him in action for some time.

But when Old Trafford is treated to this precocious youngster's emergence, he might just ruffle a few senior feathers.