Manchester United loanee Jacob Devaney has been earning plaudits out on loan, proving he has the quality to play a part for the Red Devils next season.
After establishing himself at a level above academy football earlier this season, Jacob Devaney was challenged with performing in professional football in the Scottish Premiership at St Mirren over the second half of this season.
The 18-year-old has passed this challenge with flying colours, as Manchester United have been thrilled with Devaney and his progress in Scotland, becoming one of the first names on the team sheet for St Mirren.
Devaney has run the show for St Mirren, putting himself in the running for a huge summer in a United kit, in which he could very well make himself a fixture of next season’s squad. His performances have also left another reason to be very excited.
Jacob Devaney playing for St. Mirren vs Celtic.
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Jacob Devaney arrives for Republic of Ireland.
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Jacob Devaney won’t struggle with the pressure of Old Trafford crowds
Playing in the top division in Scotland will be a career accelerator for Devaney, playing in front of passionate fans every week in a physically tough division.
For example, last weekend, Devaney started for St Mirren against Celtic at Celtic Park in front of over 58,000 fans, which is a Premier League-level attendance.
His performance, despite St Mirren losing, was excellent, and to perform to such a high level in a high-pressure situation like Celtic Park can be, Devaney deserves so much credit.
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This is the biggest indication yet that Devaney’s future is very bright and that he is ready to handle the pressure of playing for Manchester United.
Devaney’s quality as a player and his maturity and calmness, which allowed him to effortlessly step from academy football to the Scottish Premiership, should also help him take the next step to Premier League football.
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Jacob Devaney should be Manchester United’s third midfield addition this summer
This summer Manchester United will be in the market for a handful of midfielders, with two signing currently expected.
United have different lists of midfielders, with a first signing likely to be in the mould of Elliot Anderson, costing the bulk of this summer’s budget.
For number two, United are likely to add a Joao Gomes level midfielder costing £40m or so. But this still leaves United with just three options, and Carrington may be asked to provide the rest.
In this case, Devaney is the leading contender to step up, with his performances this season proving he is ahead of any other midfielders in the academy ranks on first-team readiness.
Devaney is dreaming of playing for United, following in Kobbie Mainoo’s footsteps as he explained earlier this season.
Devaney can further stake his claim this weekend, as he faces Celtic again in the cup semi-final.
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