Manchester United's academy stars are making a strong case for first-team opportunities as the club prepares for a summer pre-season that will see many senior players absent due to World Cup commitments.
At the under-21 level, Adam Lawrence’s side secured a Premier League 2 play-off quarter-final spot after beating Sunderland. Meanwhile, Darren Fletcher’s under-18 team missed out on the league title to Manchester City but have a chance for revenge in the FA Youth Cup final against their rivals, with the date yet to be confirmed due to scheduling conflicts.
These matches are crucial for young players hoping to earn a place in the senior squad for pre-season. In 2018, Jose Mourinho included seven rookies in the first pre-season game after the World Cup final, including Mason Greenwood, Tahith Chong, and James Garner. This year, United open pre-season on 18 July against Wrexham in Helsinki, just before the World Cup final.
With a mandatory three-week break after the season, any player involved in the World Cup will miss the start of pre-season. Among the current squad, Patrick Dorgu, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko play for non-qualified nations. Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Leny Yoro, and Ayden Heaven are not selected, while Matthijs de Ligt is unlikely to be called up due to injury, and Andre Onana is on loan.
Lawrence confirmed that no decisions have been made yet on which youngsters will join the first team. “We will sit down and look at individual pathways,” he said. “Some players will be involved if their performance levels deserve it. It’s a World Cup year, so there might be even more opportunities. Then it’s down to the player to perform and impress.”
Here are the young talents tipped to make an impact:
- Shea Lacey: The 19-year-old wide forward has three senior appearances and 11 bench appearances. He is transitioning into a full-time first-team member.
- JJ Gabriel: The 15-year-old is the under-18 team’s top scorer, known for speed and balance. He has trained with the first team but lacks physical stature.
- Radek Vitek: The 22-year-old goalkeeper impressed on loan at Bristol City. With Senne Lammens likely at the World Cup, Vitek could feature in pre-season.
- Chido Obi: The Denmark Under-21 striker made eight senior appearances last season but none this campaign. He is working on refining his game.
- Harry Amass: The 19-year-old left-back excelled on loan at Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich City but suffered a season-ending hamstring injury. He will be fit for pre-season.
- Tyler Fletcher: Son of club legend Darren, Tyler is a holding midfielder who made his senior debut in February and has been on the bench 11 times.
- Jack Fletcher: Tyler’s twin brother made three senior appearances in December but has been on the bench only four times. He scored in the win over Sunderland.
- Jim Thwaites: The 18-year-old was named on the senior bench for the first time recently. He can dictate games from deeper roles and is adept at curling free-kicks.
- Godwill Kukonki: An imposing left-footed defender who has featured for under-18 and under-21 sides. He has been on the senior bench but has yet to debut.
- Bendito Mantato: Currently injured, the 18-year-old made his senior debut in December and is a right-sided forward who can also play full-back.
- Noah Ajayi: The 17-year-old German youth international scored a superb goal in the FA Youth Cup quarter-final and is known for his pace and dribbling.
With a depleted senior squad due to World Cup absences, these youngsters have a golden chance to stake their claim for a place in Ruben Amorim’s plans.