Ruben Amorim might not get everything he wants this summer, with Manchester United’s long priority list still requiring a lot of work.
Before the transfer window opened, Ineos had four positions that needed to be strengthened at Manchester United.
Goalkeeper
Midfielder
Attacking midfielder
Striker
Now, as we reach the end of June, United has only sorted out one of these positions. To Ruben Amorim’s underwhelming attacking midfield options, United have signed Matheus Cunha from Wolves.
In addition, United are closing in on Bryan Mbeumo, who would also bolster the number 10 position. In total, Ineos will have spent close to £130m combined on the attacking midfield this summer.
This move could be a massive benefit for United; however, it may also leave other listed positions forgotten without the budget to make moves.
In this event, Amorim has the United Academy to fall back on.
Jacob Devaney in action for Republic of Ireland U19.
Photo by Selim Sudheimer/Getty Images for DFB
Ruben Amorim can mould Jacob Devaney into his ideal defensive midfielder
With a deal for Mbeumo close, it will soon be time for United to move on to other targets. Amorim wants to sign an ‘athletic’ midfielder for United as the priority after Mbeumo arrives.
However, with the market for midfielders expensive and a new number nine still needed, Amorim may be best served looking internally, where he has a handful of young midfielders on the verge of a breakthrough.
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So if Amorim wants an athletic and physical midfielder this summer, he should look no further than 17-year-old Republic of Ireland U21 international Jacob Devaney.
Despite not being as high profile as some of his teammates, Devaney does his work without glamour. Devaney was lauded after his debut for Ireland U21 as being ‘polished’ and ‘fantastic’.
The teenager already has an excellent understanding of football and his role, which enables him always to appear the calmest head on the pitch.
Devaney is press-resistant with his control and strength, seeing opposition midfielders struggle to dispossess him. Additionally, he has a brilliant range of passing, while he is rarely caught in possession thanks to his awareness.
The 17-year-old is powerful on the ball, while his relentless running and combative nature in defence have earned him comparisons with Declan Rice.
It might be a lot for him to step up into the first team immediately; however, exposure to the level and being under Amorim’s tutelage could be of huge benefit.
Devaney has a professional contract with United, and so we would expect Amorim and his coaches to take a good look during the upcoming pre-season.
Jacob Devaney has the character Sir Alex Ferguson would love
While only being 17, Devaney is already well-rounded off the pitch, with the kind of leadership attributes that would have impressed Sir Alex Ferguson.
Back in February, Devaney was chosen from the academy to speak at a Munich memorial held at Old Trafford. MUTV’s Harry Robinson explained that he had impressed Brian Kidd with his character, stepping up to explain the impact the Busby Babes have on the academy today.
Proud of these two Academy boys today, Tyler Fredricson and Jacob Devaney, who spoke about the enduring legacy of Munich and the Busby Babes on young players at United today. They impressed Brian Kidd, too!
A touching, well attended pre-match memorial service at Old Trafford. pic.twitter.com/2oSlA2Wj54
— Harry Robinson (@HarryRobinson64) February 2, 2025
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Qualities like this will set him apart from his teammates, with Amorim also citing maturity as one quality youngsters need to make their United debut.
Hopefully, Devaney gets a chance to show his quality in pre-season this summer as he might very well impress Amorim enough to pick up a debut at some point next season.