Jim Thwaites is now a regular for Manchester United’s U21 side, showing his quality at an increased level to further convince Michael Carrick of his readiness.
It was only last month that Jim Thwaites made his return from injury, and already, he has immediately impressed first for the U18 side and now under Adam Lawrence.
His quality alone makes Thwaites a future Manchester United player, but he is improving drastically and at a rapid rate, which has seen a semi-permanent promotion to the U21s.
During United’s 2-0 loss to Chelsea U21s on Monday night, Thwaites came off the bench to immediately show his class.
Jim Thwaites standing with hands on his hips for Manchester United U21.
Photo by Poppy Townson – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
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Manchester United academy star Jim Thwaites playing in the Under-18s.
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Jim Thwaites deserves Manchester United first-team opportunity
Since making his return, Thwaites has been right back to his best, earning comparisons to David Beckham for his free-kick goal in the U18s derby.
But he has quickly been elevated into the U21s, with Thwaites having an almost immediate impact with his progressive passing and silky on-ball touches.
Against Chelsea was no different, but after entering the pitch in the 60th minute, it took Thwaites just 60 seconds to prove why he should be considered the top midfield talent at the club.
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Thwaites picked up the ball in his own half, under immediate pressure from Chelsea’s impressive midfield, including Reggie Walsh, but this doesn’t work against the United gem.
Instead of caving to this pressure, Thwaites evaded by cutting to the right before picking out a line-breaking through ball down the flank that kicked off an attack.
Thwaites’ passing has become top-tier over the course of this season, and with the senior side’s struggles creatively, having a player like this would be beneficial.
Having the ability to change the game with a moment like this shows why Thwaites should already be ahead of other academy midfielders in terms of getting a chance under Michael Carrick.
Which player does Jim Thwaites remind you of?
Do you think he will make it in the first team at Man Utd?
Jim Thwaites graphic
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Michael Carrick should bring Thwaites into first-team instead of Tyler Fletcher
Carrick was in attendance once again for this academy game, and he will not have been impressed with much, but Thwaites’ cameo was one thing worth noting.
Thwaites offers something different, and he could quite feasibly already give United another quality in midfield, particularly if the team are chasing a goal.
Tyler Fletcher has been Carrick’s midfielder of choice from the academy thus far; however, Thwaites proved he is already more polished in this appearance against Chelsea.
So Carrick needs to seriously consider giving Thwaites more first-team exposure immediately. Both because he is better than alternatives on the bench, but also since Thwaites could take up a spot next season if he has the chance to prove he is good enough.
Thwaites is getting hard to ignore, and should be elevated.
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