The pre-season is a time for optimism and the chance for fans to get a look at the next generation of players who can potentially play a big part in the club’s future.
For Manchester United, that is even truer because “Youth. Courage. Success.” is in their ethos, personified by the successful academy structure.
Man Utd’s academy is in as good a place as any right now, but their competitive peak came in 2023/24, when they won three trophies – U18 Premier League North, U18 Premier League National Final, U18 Premier League Cup.
The captain of that team has flown under the radar since then due to factors outside of his control, but he is raring to go now ahead of a crucial pre-season.
Finley McAllister of Manchester United warms up prior to the National League Cup match between Sutton United & Manchester United U21 at Gander Green Lane on February 25, 2025
Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images
Finley McAllister ‘raring to go’ at Man Utd
The legacy of captains at the youth level at Old Trafford is pretty illustrious, so when Finley McAllister lifted three trophies with the U18s in a historically successful season, expectations were high.
A defensive midfielder by trade, McAllister shone that season, scoring twice and assisting five in 19 Premier League games.
He was the ever-present team man, playing as a central midfielder, defensive midfielder, and also having a stint as the right-back.
It led to a promotion for him as he made five appearances for the U21s as well, playing 200 minutes before disaster struck.
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The 2024/25 season was set to be his breakout as he was promoted to the U21s full-time, but an injury to McAllister set him back in his development.
Since then, the likes of Sekou Kone, Tyler Fletcher, Jack Fletcher, and more have made an impact, so Finley McAllister has flown under the radar.
However, after shaking off his injury, McAllister is now ready to go and make up for lost time ahead of a crucial season for him.
Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, McAllister said, “Raring to go. No feeling like it.” He added a picture of himself training, proving that he’s fit and firing now.
McAllister’s pathway at Man Utd
While a season effectively lost due to injuries (he played just 822 minutes of football) can set a player back a long way, circumstances are aligning for McAllister.
Not only is Sekou Kone set for a loan move, but Ruben Amorim wants a central midfielder added to the ranks.
McAllister is unlikely to be sent on loan straightaway since the focus for him will be to prove his fitness under the watchful eye of Man Utd coaches.
That could be a blessing in disguise for him because remaining at the club gives him a chance to make himself undeniable with performances for the U21s.
Remaining fit will be his first priority, and he can impress further by making the most of any pre-season minutes he gets.
The talent and ability are clearly there and don’t leave overnight. As long as he stays fit, he can continue his path at United, which reached a peak in 2023/24 with a treble-winning season.