Manchester United will be back in action this month and Ruben Amorim will be looking to run the rule over his squad in pre-season ahead of the 2025/2026 campaign
11:52, 15 Jul 2025
Jack Moorhouse of Manchester United in action during a first team training session at Carrington Training Ground on January 08, 2025 in Manchester, England
There are plenty of Man Utd youngsters who could break into the first team(Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
Manchester United are set to face Leeds in Stockholm for their first pre-season friendly on Saturday.
And after they rekindle the War of the Roses with their Yorkshire rivals, they'll jet off across the pond to take on West Ham, Bournemouth, and Everton in the Premier League Summer Series.
Ruben Amorim is expected to give a few young guns a run out against Leeds, but spots for the USA tour will be more scarce, leaving academy hopefuls eager to make the cut, reports the Manchester Evening News.
So let's have a look at the young talents who could catch Amorim's eye in pre-season...
Jack Moorhouse
Jack Moorhouse
Manchester-born Jack Moorhouse is highly-rated(Image: Getty Images)
It seems Jack Moorhouse has put his injury woes behind him. He's a cracking ball carrier - driving the U21s into threatening positions - and has made the cut for four first-team matchday squads.
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Moorhouse, 19, fits like a glove in one of the No. 10 roles in Amorim's system, and he's one of several youngsters who've turned heads since the head coach's arrival at United.
Bendito Mantato
Mantato is seen as a rising star within the academy and the Manchester Evening News reported last November that his chances of breaking into the first team were boosted by Amorim's arrival, given his perfect mix of attributes for the wing-back role.
Previously playing left-back in academy matches, Mantato, 17, has gradually shifted to mainly play on the right wing, showcasing his skills in both defensive and attacking zones.
Godwill Kukonki
Manchester United's Godwill Kukonki warms up ahead of during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and United at the Emirates Stadium in London on December 4, 2024
Godwill Kukonki had taste's of first team action last summer
Godwill Kukonki got a nibble of first-team action last season, even though he only hit 17 in January, and he's tipped to thrive under Amorim's tactics.
Kukonki, a left-footed centre-back, is a precious commodity in today's football landscape.
Amir Ibragimov
At the tender age of 15, Amir Ibragimov was training with the senior squad at the start of 2023, and inked his first professional contract in April after turning 17.
The gritty Ibragimov has drawn comparisons to Wayne Rooney for his tireless work ethic.
Harry Amass
Harry Amass
Harry Amass was handed first team minutes at the back end of the season(Image: Getty Images)
Last season saw Harry Amass make his debut against Leicester at the King Power Stadium and his first starting appearance for United against Newcastle.
The 18-year-old has shown he can hold his own at the top tier, hinting that he could be a mainstay in the senior squad come 2025/2026.
Shea Lacey
Injury kept Shea Lacey off the pitch in the first half of last season, and he was managed carefully towards the business end to ensure he's ready to hit the ground running in the new campaign.
Lacey, 18, is brimming with potential and will be chomping at the bit to strut his stuff in pre-season. The young lad has already been likened to Phil Foden thanks to his magic left foot.
Chido Obi
Chido Obi
Man Utd fans have been clamouring for Chido Obi(Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
Chido Obi has made quite a name for himself with his goal-scoring prowess in academy matches. Amorim has given Obi a few tastes of the big time and he's sure to get more minutes in this summer's pre-season.
The 17-year-old still has plenty of room to grow and is nowhere near hitting his peak yet.
Jaydan Kamason
Jaydan Kamason was a standout for the U18s last season. His cracking performance against Arsenal in the FA Youth Cup quarter-finals was top-notch, and he's been getting stuck into senior training at Carrington.
Kamason, 18, who could slot into the right wing-back position in Amorim's setup, found himself on the subs bench for both United's matches against Lyon in April, and he's got a promising future ahead.
Jack Fletcher
Jack Fletcher
Jack Fletcher had first team minutes during pre-season last summer(Image: Getty Images)
Jack Fletcher had a stormer of a first half in the 2024/2025 season, banging in crucial goals in the EFL Trophy run and proving his mettle against the likes of Doncaster, Barnsley and Bolton.
Fletcher, 18, played a pivotal role in the FA Youth Cup journey and he's another young gun to watch out for.
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Elyh Harrison
Elyh Harrison is likely the most highly-rated keeper to emerge from the academy since Dean Henderson, with his distribution skills being a major asset that will serve him well.
Harrison, 19, spent the first half of last season on loan at Chester before being called back to United in January. He managed to keep the sheets clean seven times in 18 starts and let in just 16 goals during that stint.