Manchester United’s under-18 side had a brilliant season without winning anything, but already next season’s team looks capable of being equally as dominant.
It has been an excellent couple of years for the Manchester United academy, with countless talents showing the potential to be good enough for the first team one day.
These last two seasons for the under-18s came under Adam Lawrence, with just three league losses across the two campaigns, which saw three trophies. However, Lawrence has departed United ahead of this summer as he seeks new challenges.
This will leave his replacement with the challenge of rebuilding the team, which will probably lose key players to the under-21s or even Ruben Amorim next season.
However, the supply line of talent is almost endless, with JJ Gabriel showing signs he will be a star for the under-18s next season despite being just 14. While there are several others likely to be knocking on the door, such as Bassirou Nkoto.
But it is in central defence where one Carrington prospect looks a truly special talent.
Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images
Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images
Manchester United keen to lock down Jayden Ngwashi long term amid interest
Academy graduate and central defender Tyler Fredricson won the Denzil Haroun Reserve-Team Player of the Year for his season in the under-21s, which earned him a place in Ruben Amorim’s team.
Godwill Kukonki will be looking to follow in these footsteps over the next season or two, but behind him is Jayden Ngwashi, who may be the best of the bunch.
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However, due to Ngwashi being so highly rated by United staff, he has now attracted interest from elsewhere.
This is according to the Manchester Evening News, which claims the 16-year-old is attracting interest from Europe’s top clubs.
Despite being fast-tracked to under-21 football this season, Ngwashi is approaching a crossroads in his career with United looking to tie him down to ward off interest from Europe’s elite.
Due to Ngwashi holding an Italian passport, he will be able to move abroad if he chooses, with Brexit rules not causing any issues.
Ineos must keep future England back-line together at Manchester United
As a player, Ngwashi’s passing is undoubtedly among his best qualities, with it being a massive asset in build-up, as showcased various times at U18 football.
Ngwashi is considered to be a future star, and Ineos, therefore, will surely do everything to lock him down for the future. The 16-year-old remaining would mean United keep an entire back five of England youth internationals at the club, who all have the potential to make their full debuts one day.
Elyh Harrison, Bendito Mantato, Jayden Ngwashi, Ayden Heaven, Godwill Kukonki and Harry Amass showcased in Manchester United back five line-up graphic.
Manchester United back six shown using GRV line-up tool.
Having this back five at the club is vital to retain, as Ineos’ goal of saving money through youth development means this would be a great success.
This also shows us that the future at United is bright, as bad as things are right now.