Demetri Mitchell knows a thing or two about breaking out at Manchester United as an academy graduate, being close to doing it himself, so his verdict on a current wonderkid at his club should excite fans.
Manchester United sanctioned 18 loans this summer, a remarkable number, even if you exclude loans like Rasmus Hojlund, Jadon Sancho, and Marcus Rashford, who have no future at Old Trafford.
Jonny Evans, in his first summer as the club’s loan manager, will earn his keep with loans for academy graduates looking for first-team football.
It seems like he’s hit the bullseye with one player, in particular, with Demetri Mitchell raving about his breakout prospects, having seen him up close at his current club.
Jack Moorhouse playing for Man Utd on postseason tour
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Demetri Mitchell gives Jack Moorhouse verdict
Of all the youngsters to earn a loan move, Jack Moorhouse was the most interesting one due to the combination of his age and potential.
At 19, one could argue that his loan spell was a bit too late, but injuries had robbed him of precious development time.
However, Moorhouse’s talent was undeniable, leading to calls that dubbed him “Paul Pogba 2.0” for his ball carrying ability in midfield.
Moorhouse joined Leyton Orient in League One for the first senior football experience of his career, and he has started to grow into his role with authority.
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His first career goal has arrived in fine fashion, and his all-action displays in midfield speak of a player who is feeling increasingly comfortable in his new surroundings.
As the biggest marker of success, his teammates are starting to feel the same, not least of whom is Demetri Mitchell, who was once in the same boat as Moorhouse is now.
Mitchell was an exciting youngster in the youth ranks but injuries robbed him of his true ceiling, but he has done extremely well to carve a career for himself in the Football League.
He is Moorhouse’s teammate this season at Leyton Orient, and after some encouraging performances, has given a glowing verdict on the youngster, writing, “United fans from what I’ve seen I think Jack Moorhouse has a real chance you know.”
Moorhouse needs nurturing
Unlike other loanees who have impressed, like Radek Vitek, Moorhouse needs more careful nurturing, and a higher division loan should be the next step.
United’s midfield will be strengthened next season, while Moorhouse needs first-team games regularly to make up for lost time.
Someone like Vitek will be in first-team contention immediately next season, but it will do Moorhouse a world of good if he ramps up his level in the football leagues.
If he manages to keep this level of form in, say, the Championship, then he will make himself undeniable to the United hierarchy.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s concerning comments on the academy notwithstanding, Mitchell’s comment about Moorhouse should age extremely well in the coming years.