James Watson is another top Manchester United talent to keep an eye on.
Manchester United’s academy is famed around the world for the consistent way that players have progressed to the first team over the years.
This season alone we have seen Jack Fletcher, Shea Lacey and Bendito Mantato all add their names to the list of United youth graduates.
The academy is thriving with talent in 2026, and one player who is quickly establishing himself as a name to watch is defender Jacob Watson.
Manchester United U18 v Middlesbrough U18: U18 Premier League
Photo by Anthony Devlin/Manchester United via Getty Images
WHO is Manchester United’s best ever academy graduate?🔥
Manchester United celebrate winning league.
Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Jacob Watson: What you need to know
Jacob Watson was one of 12 prospects who signed scholarship deals at Manchester United at the beginning of the 2025/26 season.
He had previously been playing for United at younger age groups, progressing into the under-18s squad for this season.
Watson is a versatile defender who is described as a centre-back, but has filled in at full-back as part of his development process.
More United News
He made his debut at under-18 level in August 2025 under Darren Fletcher, coming off the bench to replace James Overy at right-back in a 5-0 win over Middlesbrough.
Watson is being used predominantly as a left-back this season. All five of his under-18 starts have come at the position.
At the start of December, Watson scored his first under-18s goal in a 6-0 Premier League Cup win over Birmingham, netting direct from a corner kick.
In January 2026, Watson came off the bench to make his Manchester United under-21s debut in the Premier League International Cup, a 3-2 win over Sporting.
Watson again featured at left-back, replacing Diego Leon in the second half.
His call-up to the under-21s was notable at just 16-years-old. He turns 17 in May.
Who is next in line to graduate from Manchester United’s academy in 2026?
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
England youth international
Jacob Watson was born in Chester in 2009 and has already been called up to represent England at youth level, in addition to his Manchester United exploits.
Watson has two caps for England at under-16 level, providing an assist on his only start. His manager is former United youth coach Neil Ryan.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox