Manchester United's academy stars have seized opportunities presented in the early stages of pre-season friendlies, showcasing promising performances. As the club prepares for the new Premier League campaign, decisions are being made regarding the futures of many Under-21 players, with some set for loan moves or potential permanent transfers.
Goalkeeper Radek Vitek, left back Harry Amass, and midfielders Dan Gore and Toby Collyer, who all spent last season out on loan, are unlikely to feature for the first team this season. Vitek and Amass are available for sale or another loan with an option to buy, though they will continue to train with the first team. Vitek is reportedly a target for Middlesbrough and other Championship clubs after a successful loan spell at Bristol City. Amass, who played in recent friendlies against Wrexham and Rosenborg, notching a goal and an assist, is valued at approximately £6 million. He spent last season on loan at Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich.
Gore and Collyer have reportedly been informed that their best chance for regular playing time may lie with the Under-21 squad, even as the club seeks to strengthen its midfield. Hull City has expressed interest in re-signing Collyer, while Gore is available following a loan spell at Rotherham.
Despite the ongoing decisions about player futures, numerous United youngsters are looking to impress in the remaining pre-season fixtures against Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Leeds, and AC Milan. The club, renowned for its youth development, has seen academy players perform well in matches against Wrexham and Rosenborg. Shea Lacey scored the opening goal against Rosenborg, and Jaydan Kamason provided two assists in the same match.
Lacey, a 19-year-old winger from Liverpool, has shown versatility by playing in a No. 10 role and linking play wide. He has previously trained with the England senior squad and made first-team appearances last season, including three in the Premier League.
Jack Fletcher, an England youth international and one of twin midfielders, played in the No. 10 role against Wrexham. He and his brother Tyler are expected to remain at the club despite significant investment in other midfielders. Jack, who made three first-team appearances last season, can also play as a right winger or full back.
Tyler Fletcher captained the younger United XI in the second half against Wrexham and came on as a substitute against Rosenborg. He recently made his senior international debut for Scotland and was called up to the World Cup squad. Like Lacey, Tyler also played for United on the final day of the last Premier League season.
JJ Gabriel, who turns 16 in October, is highly anticipated. Although he did not feature in the Norway trip, he has been called up to first-team training and excelled for the Under-18s, scoring 29 goals in 32 appearances and earning the Under-18 Premier League player of the season award. Premier League rules previously prevented his inclusion in matchday squads due to his age.
Jaydan Kamason, an England youth international, impressed against Rosenborg with assists for Amass and Ethan Williams. After struggling with injuries last season, he is aiming for a consistent role at Old Trafford.
Jim Thwaites is highly regarded among the Under-21 squad, known for his midfield abilities and dead-ball skills. He has trained with the senior squad since April and was named on the bench for the match at Chelsea. A planned loan move in January was disrupted by injury.
Jacob Devaney, who prefers playing in midfield, has featured at centre-back in pre-season friendlies and scored against Rosenborg. He had a loan spell at St Mirren last season and is open to another loan if it enhances his prospects at United.
Additionally, 18-year-old winger Tynan Thompson, signed from Tottenham for an initial £4 million, will join the senior group at Carrington. It is too early to determine if he will feature in pre-season matches as first-team players return.
Overall, the pre-season performances highlight the depth of talent within Manchester United's academy, with several players making strong cases for first-team involvement or future development pathways.
