Which Academy Graduates Could Manchester United Promote This Season?

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Manchester United are making waves in the transfer market this week, with a £50m deal being agreed with Chelsea yesterday for Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos. The club are looking to add three midfielders to the squad this summer. Santos will be a United player once he completes his medical, which is scheduled for today. Ederson is also still being tipped to become a Red, but reports suggest there is a minor issue with the Brazilian’s initial medical, so further, more thorough tests are required.

The search for a third midfielder will remain if both deals go through, but do United have anyone within the ranks who could push for that third midfield spot?

Jacob Devaney

Jacob Devaney’s loan at St Mirren was hugely impressive last season. The Irish youth international played 18 times for the Scottish side last season, scoring one goal and getting one assist from midfield. The plaudits were strong from St Mirren fans for the 18-year-old during his time with the club, and during the last international break there were major calls for him to be selected by Heimir Halgrimsson’s Ireland senior squad.

Devaney is in a similar ilk to Michael Carrick in that he has great respect for possession and likes to play the ball simply and effectively. As many inside Carrington are, the midfielder is highly rated. The U18s felt the absence of his presence in the centre of the pitch last season during his loan spell.

While on loan last season, Devaney was praised by his manager Stephen Robinson at St Mirren for his outstanding composure and maturity. Those are both key attributes that would help him navigate the craziness of playing in central midfield in the Premier League.

“I don’t usually take first loans, but he’s such a mature young man”, St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson said about Devaney in an interview last season.

The Irish youngster has ability and attributes that the United midfield lacks. The academy lads may not be the big names many fans are clamouring for, but the club is not built on the mantra of Youth, Courage and £100m-pound signings. It’s Youth, Courage and Success. Bravery to play these young players has paid dividends in the past. Jacob Devaney’s inclusion in the first team next season could prove a masterstroke for Michael Carrick if he decides to trust the 18-year-old, who will no doubt get minutes in pre-season to prove himself.

Tyler Fletcher

Tyler Fletcher made his debut earlier in the season under Ruben Amorim and was criticised by many within the United fan base. In the modern era, everyone is under the impression perfection has to be immediate. Everyone expects a Wayne Rooney debut, and when that inevitably doesn’t happen, they lose faith in a player’s potential.

Fletcher is an immense talent. This was made clear when he was brought to the World Cup with Scotland this summer, despite having played only 26 minutes of first-team football. Some had suggested the 18-year-old was only in the United team due to nepotism, but this is far from the case. Tyler, the more defensive of the two brothers, has brilliant ball control and keen positional awareness. He also showed glimpses of his strength in the Brighton game at the end of the season, when battling against Carlos Baleba, whom United have targeted since last summer.

Shea Lacey

An obvious addition for the club is expected to be Shea Lacey. The Liverpool–born winger was immense in his cameos last season when given the opportunity, with the pick of the bunch coming away at Burnley. Lacey came off the bench and rattled the bar within minutes; he started as he definitely means to go on in a United jersey.

Lacey has been highly rated throughout his time in the academy. The likenesses to Phil Foden are uncanny, and it feels like a matter of time before he explodes in the Premier League and becomes a household name. With Marcus Rashford also tipped to return to the squad this season if United can’t find a buyer, the attacking talent in the team is going to be ridiculous.

The biggest issue Lacey has always faced in his development has been injuries. Most have come due to the 18-year-old growing into his body, with various muscle injuries delaying his development. If he can put those behind him, United truly have one of the most talented young players in the country at their disposal.

Another player who made waves in the first team last season, and a versatile option who could help plug some gaps in the squad. Bendito Mantato was tipped by those at Manchester United to go on to do great things when he was in the Under-16s, and that belief came to fruition the following season.

Mantato can play on either wing, but it may be his ability to play at full-back, particularly left-back, that opens doors for him next season. United have not signed a new left-back, but they are interested in adding an addition to the squad. Harry Amass is an option, along with potentially utilising Mantato in that role, albeit it’s not his favoured position.

The 18-year-old grew last season playing in the U21s and his ability on the ball and his pace are undeniable. Mantato’s concerns could come from his defensive ability, which doesn’t come naturally to him, but Nico O’Reilly came into Pep Guardiola’s line-up last season with similar concerns, and is now starting for England at a major tournament.

Bendito Mantato is a top player, as are the other three mentioned, and any of them could and will make a huge difference to the Man United squad next season if they get the chance.