Now that the transfer window has ended and the squad has taken shape, Ruben Amorim knows his best team and the roles for each player, leaving the academy youngsters with more clarity.
Ruben Amorim is under pressure as it is to look more towards the academy, having overseen the departures of Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, while reducing Kobbie Mainoo’s role.
Despite the absence of European football this season and the elimination from the Carabao Cup, there are clear areas in the team where drafting in options from Carrington would make sense.
Here are five Man Utd wonderkids who are best-placed to break out and become senior first-team members this season at Old Trafford.
Shea Lacey in action for Manchester United.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Sekou Kone
Many would argue that Sekou Kone should have already made his debut, especially in the wake of his remarkable transformation over the summer and his postseason heroics last season.
However, a serious injury picked up against Tamworth while playing for the U21s has kept him out of action this season.
Now that he’s on the comeback trail, expect Kone to pick up from where he left off and impress in the centre of the park.
The senior team is screaming out for a midfielder of his profile, so if he shows good form for the U21s, he could get a chance in the first team. The most likely breakout this season.
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Bendito Mantato
Bendito Mantato has been marked as a potential wing-back for Ruben Amorim for a while now, and latest developments suggest Mantato is being groomed for a first-team role.
His versatility will stand him in good stead regarding his breakthrough prospects, and the fact that he played for the senior team in pre-season helps his case.
He’s worked with Ruben Amorim closely, and his availability for four positions (wing-back, both sides, and No. 10, both sides) makes it a matter of when, and not if, he makes his breakthrough.
Shea Lacey
Shea Lacey has been unlucky with injuries, but when he’s fit, there aren’t many better young footballers in this country at his age group.
Lacey has returned from injury in fine form, and he was recently unstoppable against professional footballers in the biggest marker of his readiness as yet.
The only thing standing in his way is Amorim’s abundance of options for the No. 10 position, but expect Lacey to still get some minutes.
The club needs to show that they trust him and back him to reach the top despite injuries, and a first-team debut would be a good way to do that.
Jim Thwaites
Jim Thwaites is one of those rare wonderkids whom Ruben Amorim singled out for praise on the post-season tour last season.
Amorim is generally keen to keep the youngsters’ feet on the ground, so Thwaites must have really impressed him for Amorim to break his usual modus operandi.
As a set-piece specialist midfielder who is adding combativeness to his game, Thwaites has continued to impress for the academy sides this season.
He could debut as a No. 6 or as a No. 10 in the senior team, and his free-kick and corner delivery are already first-team quality.
Samuel Lusale, Albert Mills & Jim Thwaites of Manchester United arrive 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
Jack Fletcher
Jack Fletcher is the more prolific Fletcher twin, and he has already been marked for greatness by captain Bruno Fernandes.
Fletcher travelled with the senior team for the USA tour this pre-season, and his left-footedness, plus ability to make things happen in the final third, are valuable traits.
He’s become stronger physically this season, which has also allowed him to play in a deeper role at times, where his passing has shone through.
The likes of Amir Ibragimov are understandably stealing the headlines, but Fletcher’s all-around game and standing with Amorim look more Premier League-ready.