Manchester United midfield talent Jim Thwaites had another impressive performance against Liverpool’s U18 team, all while Michael Carrick watched from the Carrington sidelines.
Jim Thwaites started as the central midfielder for Manchester United on Wednesday for the clash against Liverpool U18, dictating play from deep.
United thrashed Liverpool 4-1 in the end, with Thwaites grabbing an assist for Jay McEvoy’s second goal, which was just one of the opportunities he created.
Throughout the game, Thwaites kept showing a spectating Michael Carrick one quality he has that perfectly suits the way United play football under the interim head coach.
Jim Thwaites’ through balls could be Bryan Mbeumo’s dream
Thwaites is on the cusp of his United debut, with Carrick clearly taking a shine to the 18-year-old, including him in the squad to take on Chelsea in April.
It feels inevitable that he will debut this season, and if he does, Bryan Mbeumo will be very happy.
This is because of Thwaites’ ability to thread balls in behind for on-rushing forwards.
Thwaites did this several times for United against Liverpool, finding Noah Ajayi and Nathaniel Junior Brown on multiple occasions.
On promotion to the first team, Thwaites will be looking to pick the rapidly quick Bryan Mbeumo out with these balls.
Getting balls to the forwards in behind is a big part of United’s game under Carrick, with the game against Brentford seeing plenty of balls for Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko to chase.
Lots of United’s goals have been scored in this manner, including Bruno Fernandes’ assist for Matheus Cunha against Villa.
Thwaites sliding through balls to Mbeumo, Sesko, or Matheus Cunha in behind could be a deadly partnership for United.
Thwaites also offers Manchester United Kobbie Mainoo-like quality
While he is excellent at doing it, Thwaites’ biggest strength actually comes closer to his own goal.
Thwaites, picking up the ball facing Cameron Byrne-Hughes under huge pressure, often looks like a recipe for disaster, but the teenager is incredibly press-resistant and manages to evade danger with relative ease.
In the derby win earlier, City even stopped pressing Thwaites, considering the ease with which he was evading them, which was in itself high praise.
Kobbie Mainoo has been doing this for United lately, with Thwaites’ fit into the team likely as a back-up option to the 21-year-old.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/0OfUW3C