Manchester United’s need for a midfield enforcer is evident to all, except perhaps Ruben Amorim.
After the calamitous display in the Manchester derby, club legend Gary Neville urged the head coach to tweak his plans, especially in midfield.
The two-man midfield combination is being overrun in most games, with INEOS failing to bring in Carlos Baleba or Adam Wharton in the summer.
While January plans are in place, other teams could jeopardise those well-laid out plans. As a result, the Portuguese tactician could be forced to wait till next summer.
Jim Thwaites has caught Amorim’s eye
Not quite as per The Daily Mail, who have revealed that U18 midfield magician Jim Thwaites has really caught the ex-Sporting CP boss’ eye.
In fact, it was the versatile midfielder who impressed the most during the club’s post-season tour of Asia. His wicked set-piece ability, akin to club legend David Beckham, will be a huge bonus for the 20-time English league champions, a facet they lack at the moment.
He had nine goals and four assists for the U18s last season, and this season, he already has a goal to his name, the winner against Burnley U18s last week.
“The 17-year-old was drafted into full first-team training last Friday – along with fellow academy midfielders Shea Lacey, plus Fletcher’s twin sons Jack and Tyler – and 24 hours later he played a full 90 minutes and scored the game-winning penalty for the Under 18s, while wearing the captain’s armband.
“Thwaites is one of the youngsters Amorim likes most, despite his reticence in recent times to actually use them in matches.
Full of praise
“Academy sources have been full of praise for Thwaites’ temperament as he spreads himself across Under 18s, Under 21s and occasional sessions with the first team.
“Of the youngsters that took part in the post-season tour to Malaysia and Hong Kong, it was Thwaites who made the best impression.”
He has already been part of first-team training on a number of occasions, and interestingly, he has occupied the defensive midfield role this term, while he was playing all over the pitch last season.
This positional tweak might grant him his best shot at breaking through to the first team this season.
Feature image James Fearn via Getty Images
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