Manchester United have several prospects who are catching Ruben Amorim’s eye this season, with the race to be the club’s next academy graduate.
There are a handful of academy players who have been around the first team this season, yet to step up and debut.
Ruben Amorim has had youngsters in training, signifying his intention to use Manchester United’s academy at some point.
Among these names is the excellent midfielder Jim Thwaites, who has run the show for Darren Fletcher’s U18 side this season.
Thwaites has made an excellent impression on Amorim and has been tipped as one of the players in the academy that the club are most excited by.
But now, the club’s stance has been revealed.
Jim Thwaites dribbling with ball for Manchester United U18s.
Photo by Anthony Devlin/Manchester United via Getty Images
Manchester United excited by Jim Thwaites
There have been 254 United Academy graduates throughout history, and Thwaites is among the chasing pack to be 255.
However, a debut is not imminent; United in Focus and Graeme Bailey understand, with United holding Thwaites in high regard for the future.
United are happy with Thwaites and like his qualities, believing that he has been progressing well recently in midfield.
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United in Focus can reveal that Thwaites is one of the talents United have ‘very high hopes’ for within the current U21 and U18 side.
United thinks Thwaites has a big chance to make progress over the coming 18 months, which will be a very telling time for him, as it is for all players that age.
Jim Thwaites could be part of Ruben Amorim’s 2026 plans
Last month, Thwaites shone against a PFA XI, which proved he is good enough to be playing professional football.
Due to this, and the knowledge that United are excited about Thwaites in the next 18 months, he could impact 2026 transfer plans.
United are going to overhaul the midfield, and Thwaites could be on his way to forcing himself into the conversation to be part of this rebuild.
Thwaites is a mix of David Beckham and Paul Scholes, and that alone should make Amorim keen to see whether the 17-year-old is first-team material.
If he is able to continue developing at this quick pace, 2026 could become Thwaites’ year.