Manchester United's pre-season friendlies have provided a platform for numerous academy prospects to showcase their potential, with manager Erik ten Hag and his staff evaluating which young players are ready to integrate into the first-team squad.
The club is reportedly open to loaning out a significant portion of the Under-21 players who featured in early friendlies against Wrexham and Rosenborg to further their development. However, exceptions are being made for emerging talents like Shea Lacey, Jack and Tyler Fletcher, and JJ Gabriel, who are being kept closer to the senior setup.
For several players who have been on the fringes of the first team, the current pre-season could signal a permanent pathway or a decisive loan move. Goalkeeper Radek Vitek, left-back Harry Amass, and midfielders Dan Gore and Toby Collyer, all of whom spent last season on loan, have been informed that first-team opportunities may be limited this coming season. Vitek and Amass are being considered for either a permanent sale or another loan with an option to buy, though they will continue to train with the first-team squad in the interim.
Vitek has garnered interest from Middlesbrough and other Championship clubs following a successful loan spell at Bristol City. Amass, who recorded a goal and an assist against Rosenborg, is valued around £6 million and spent time on loan at Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich City last season. "The main aim for me is to play for Manchester United week in, week out," said Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Jacob Devaney, who has played in central defence during pre-season despite preferring a midfield role. "Obviously, I want to play first-team football. So whether that is at United, learning from the best for the next year, or if I have to go on loan again and gain more valuable experience, that's what I'll do."
With Manchester United reportedly pursuing additional central midfielders, Gore and Collyer's best chance for regular game time next season may lie with the Under-21s. Hull City remains interested in re-signing Collyer, while Gore is available after a loan spell at Rotherham United.
Youngsters like Shea Lacey, the Fletcher twins, and JJ Gabriel are among those expected to push for first-team involvement. Lacey scored United's opening goal against Rosenborg after starting the match, demonstrating his versatility by playing in a No. 10 role. The 19-year-old winger has already made four first-team appearances, including three in the Premier League last season. He was also called up to train with the England senior squad in October.
The Fletcher twins, Jack and Tyler, joined from Manchester City and are expected to remain at the club despite significant investment in midfield signings. Jack Fletcher, a central midfielder, is considered more creative and can also play as a right winger or full-back, having made three first-team appearances last season. Tyler Fletcher captained the younger United XI in the second half against Wrexham and made his senior international debut for Scotland in a friendly against Bolivia.
One of the most anticipated prospects is JJ Gabriel, who turns 16 in October. He was part of the squad for the trip to Norway but did not feature. Gabriel was called up to first-team training last autumn and was named U18 Premier League Player of the Season after scoring 29 goals in 32 appearances for the Under-18s.
Other notable young players include Jaydan Kamason, an England youth international who provided two assists against Rosenborg and aims for a career at Old Trafford despite past injury struggles. Jim Thwaites, a midfielder and dead-ball specialist, is highly regarded and has trained with the senior squad. Jacob Devaney, who impressed on loan at St Mirren, scored against Rosenborg and is open to another loan spell if it enhances his first-team prospects at United.
The club has also added 18-year-old winger Tynan Thompson from Tottenham in a deal worth up to £4 million plus add-ons. Thompson will join the senior group at Carrington, though it remains to be seen if he will feature in pre-season as the club's World Cup contingent returns.