Several of you have been getting in touch using our ‘Ask about Manchester United’ form wanted to know more about the club’s “most interesting and promising” youth prospects.
There has been a lot of noise around Ruben Amorim’s apparent lack of faith in United’s academy with many wondering what will happen to the club’s amazing record of having had a homegrown player in a matchday squad since 1937.
That will only be more difficult to sustain if Kobbie Mainoo should leave on loan in January.
However, first, Amorim has said that will not happen.
Local-born defender Tyler Fredricson, 20, started the EFL Cup defeat at Grimsby Town in August and 19-year-old defender Ayden Heaven, signed from Arsenal last season, has also been a regular on the bench.
Looking a bit deeper, there are some youngsters worth keeping an eye on.
Midfielder Jack Fletcher, son of former Manchester United player and current under-18s coach Darren, has impressed this season – a red card at Barnsley being the only exception.
Fletcher’s twin brother, Tyler, is also a player of promise. The pair might play against each other next week when England (Jack) play Scotland (Tyler) in an Under-19 European Championship qualifier.
In addition, Shea Lacey is now free of injury and starting to show the form that makes him a standout at under-21 level. The winger is on England Under-20s duty this week.
Under-21 captain Jacob Devaney is a very solid performer at both centre-half and in midfield. At under-18 level, Jim Thwaites has adapted to a subtle shift from the number-10 position to the number-eight role. Fellow 17-year-old Yuel Helafu has eased into the under-21 team in recent weeks and has a lot of promise.
Below that, 15-year-old striker JJ Gabriel has already been called up for training with Amorim’s first team and continues to impress.
Finally, Harry Amass and Radek Vitek are both enjoying superb loan stints at Sheffield Wednesday and Bristol City respectively.
So Manchester United do have some excellent young players, the problem is there have been very few games to play them in.
Now over to you… which youngsters are you most excited by?
Who can make it at Old Trafford?
