Manchester United have always had their identity rooted in the youth.
From the Busby Babes to the iconic Class of ’92, the club has consistently relied on homegrown talent to shape its most successful eras.
Even in recent years, academy graduates have stepped up in key moments – and now, more than ever, United may need to rely on them again.
As the club faces another major rebuild, returning to that core philosophy feels not just traditional, but essential.
Under INEOS, United are reshaping their strategy both on and off the pitch.
That includes heavy investment at academy level, as seen last summer with the signings of Sekou Kone, Chido Obi, and Ayden Heaven.
The approach has continued this year, most recently with the arrival of promising Southampton centre-back Harley Emsden-James.
With Scott McTominay sold – and the futures of Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford uncertain – United will need fresh talent from Carrington to step up.
The rebuild is underway, and for a club built on youth, that means trusting the next generation.
Here are five Manchester United academy players who could make their first-team debut in the 2025/26 season.
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Bendito Mantato
For Ruben Amorim’s system to thrive, dynamic wing-backs are essential.
He wants players in those roles who can take on defenders, be direct, and deliver goals and assists – like traditional wingers.
It’s why Amad Diallo, a natural winger, has been used at wing-back, and that looks set to continue next season.
In that mould, Bendito Mantato could be the perfect fit at right wing-back.
A former left-back turned winger, Mantato already has defensive experience to go with his attacking instincts.
He’s a direct dribbler who can go both ways and has a wand of a left foot capable of creating chances and scoring goals.
With his two-way threat and versatility, next season could be the one where Mantato makes his senior debut.
Jim Thwaites
Jim Thwaites is the type of modern midfielder Manchester United have been missing.
Comfortable as a 6, 8, or 10, he brings rare technical security and composure in possession.
Thwaites is an excellent passer off both feet and has the intelligence to receive the ball in tight, high-pressure areas – a quality United’s current midfield often lacks.
At just 17 years old, he’s already played regularly at Under-21 level, showing maturity beyond his age.
If he can continue to develop physically over the next 12 months, there’s every chance he earns a first-team debut in the 2025/26 season.
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Sekou Kone
Sekou Kone is one of the standout talents in the Manchester United academy.
A powerful, progressive midfielder with real athleticism.
Kone impressed during United’s recent post-season tour, showing flashes of top-level potential, and is expected to feature heavily in pre-season before a decision is made on his immediate future.
If he stays, a competitive debut in 2025/26 feels inevitable – his raw ability and physical tools are simply too hard to ignore.
That said, a loan move remains likely, especially as he continues to refine his decision-making in the final third.
Either way, Kone looks like a player destined for the first team sooner rather than later.
Godwill Kukonki
In Ruben Amorim’s system, wide centre-backs play a crucial role on both sides of the ball.
Out of possession, they’re expected to step aggressively into midfield and contribute to the press.
In possession, they must be confident carrying the ball forward, linking play, and supporting attacks – all while remaining strong aerially and able to defend wide channels when exposed.
Godwill Kukoni looks like a natural fit for that role.
A left-footer with the profile to thrive as a left-sided centre-back, Kukoni is physically dominant and excels at progressing the ball through both passing and carrying.
He’s already been named in a few early squads under Amorim, which suggests the manager sees real potential in him.
If he continues to develop, a debut in a domestic cup fixture next season wouldn’t be a surprise.
Jack Fletcher
Jack Fletcher is a really talented midfielder, often making the match day squad under Ruben Amorim.
In Amorim’s system, Jack Fletcher would likely fill one of the two number 10 roles.
Since arriving from Manchester City, he’s been a regular at youth level, combining physical strength and technical ability with good attacking output.
Fletcher will be aiming to make his first-team debut in the 2025/26 season.
Alongside his brother Tyler, he’s one of United’s exciting prospects to watch as he continues to develop.
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