Manchester United’s squad this season is thin, due to no European football, but this means there will be chances for academy players.
Ruben Amorim has been a big believer in using his academy throughout his management career, and when the first team begins to perform, he will likely integrate youth at Manchester United.
So far, Amorim has made three United academy debutants and this number could explode, as he showed commitment to using his academy at Sporting CP.
The circumstances haven’t quite been right for United’s youngsters so far this season, as it would be unfair to demand they impact amid the struggles.
But if Amorim decides he wants to use youth, there is a ready-made ‘Class of 2026’ waiting for their opportunity.
Godwill Kukonki
Manchester United might be stacked at centre-back right now, but previous years have shown how quickly that can change through injury.
So this season, if the left-sided centre-back role is once more left barren by injuries, Godwill Kukonki could end up getting his chance.
Amorim was an instant fan of Kukonki, but he wasn’t ready for first-team football at this time. However, over the past 10 months, Kukonki has learned to use his physicality and is now too good for U18 football.
If he continues to develop quickly, he looks likely to be involved in the class of 2026, if Amorim puts his faith in youth.
Jayce Fitzgerald
This season, the midfield has been the clear and obvious weak point of Amorim’s team, with a lack of control and athleticism standing out and making the Red Devils easy to play against.
So if Amorim is looking to control games, Jayce Fitzgerald could be the obvious solution, assuming he can remain fit.
Fitzgerald has been compared with Sergio Busquets for his defensive midfield capabilities and also his in-possession quality.
Last season, Fitzgerald caught Ruud van Nistelrooy’s eye and this season, it could be time for Amorim to give the exciting midfielder a chance in the first team. However, fitness will be the most important thing.
Amir Ibragimov
One player who has been developing rapidly over the past 12 months and now looks like he could be set to push for first-team football this season is Amir Ibragimov.
While he has always been one of the biggest talents at Carrington, Ibragimov has recently shown that U18 football is a bit of a cakewalk for him, while U21 looks like his next playground.
Darren Fletcher has raved about Ibragimov’s ability and leadership qualities, which Amorim will look at as a plus. Ibragimov has become an all-action number eight for United, and his work rate is similar to Bruno Fernandes.
The future is very bright for Ibragimov, and Amorim will surely soon recognise what an asset he can be, either in the number 10 or deeper.
Bendito Mantato
One of the most obvious talents who should be part of a ‘Class of 2026’ is Bendito Mantato, with the versatile wing-back slash winger having all the tools to be successful for Amorim.
Mantato has been deployed at left-back for the U21s, which could suggest he is being prepared for a wing-back role under Amorim in the near future.
Having been involved on the pre-season tour of the USA, Mantato was taken under Mason Mount’s wing, with the England international advising the wonderkid.
Amorim could unleash Mantato at any point and it wouldn’t be a shock, as he is one of the most physically ready talents in the academy right now.
Jack Fletcher
The final name on the list, is also the one which feels most likely to happen this season, with Jack Fletcher already accustomed to being in the first team squad.
Fletcher was tasked with improving physically this summer, which he appears to have passed with flying colours, and so a debut this season at some stage is likely.
If Amorim gets United playing well, Fletcher could easily be integrated right now, but he will absolutely part of a ‘Class of 26’, if it comes to pass. Potentially his debut could soon be accelerated due to first-team injuries.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/WUEhgID