Manchester United, under the footballing leadership of Ineos, have signed some top-tier youngsters; however, Mouhamed Dabo won’t be joining that list.
In 2026, Manchester United are set to focus on overhauling the midfield department, with potentially two first-team additions needed, with none of Ruben Amorim’s current options guaranteed to survive next summer.
This includes adding strength in depth, with United agreeing to sign Cristian Orozco from Colombia, but the 18-year-old wasn’t expected to be alone.
United were also pushing for Senegal talent Mouhamed Dabo, but a deal fell through despite impressing on trial at the club. Now, the reason for the deal not going ahead has been revealed.
Jim Thwaites in Manchester United Training Session
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Jim Thwaites played role in Manchester United refusing to sign Mouhamed Dabo
By all accounts, Dabo had been impressing during his trial and had been to United games and was pictured in Old Trafford. But Dabo has instead joined NK Kustosija, according to the club, in the Croatian second division, which is quite a drop.
Now, journalist Christopher Michel has taken to his X account to share the latest around Dabo and, importantly, why the club decided not to sign him.
One reason is that United already have Orozco signed for this exact position; however, within Carrington already there is already another reason behind the decision.
United see Jim Thwaites as a ‘great talent’, the journalist explains, and so this also came into consideration when opting against completing the deal for Dabo.
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Which Manchester United academy midfielder are you most excited about?
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This is excellent news, as United shouldn’t be signing young players for the sake of it. Especially when it could end up ruining Carrington prospects such as Thwaites.
Jim Thwaites is ready to play for Manchester United
It isn’t a shock to hear this story, as United are very excited about Thwaites, an excitement that has seen the 18-year-old in senior training often this season.
Thwaites is a mix of David Beckham and Paul Scholes, being incredible on the ball and having almost a Spanish style of play in midfield.
Does Ruben Amorim need to improve his use of the academy?⭐️
Ruben Amorim in Manchester United attire during loss to Everton.
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The teenager has been impressive at every level that he’s played at this season, U18 and U21, with his game almost more suitable to higher-quality oppositions, thanks to his quick decision-making.
If there is any academy midfielder to make the jump up a level, it will be Thwaites, and if Amorim leaves, potential replacements would love the talented number six.
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