Manchester United U18s beat Nottingham Forest at Carrington on Saturday, and while not claiming the headlines, it was another fine performance by Jim Thwaites.
Saturday saw Manchester United’s U18 side win 5-2 against Forest, with JJ Gabriel’s stunning brace of goals securing the victory.
Not involved in the goals was Jim Thwaites, who had a strong display in midfield, looking untouchable against the Forest side as they couldn’t get near him.
One small detail of his game was particularly impressive.
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Manchester United academy star Jim Thwaites playing in the Under-18s.
Photo by Anthony Devlin/Manchester United via Getty Images
Jim Thwaites playing for Manchester United U21.
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It was a pretty standard game by Thwaites, which is far from an insult, more being that his brilliance in midfield is pretty consistent, and it was once again against Forest.
One of the biggest qualities that Thwaites has is how slick he is on the ball, receiving it and spinning away from pressure to progress play with an accurate pass.
His consistency in evading opponents is impressive, and the trick he uses to make this happen became clear against Forest.
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When Thwaites was given the ball by Dan Armer, for example, he would immediately use a burst of acceleration to grant himself a couple of yards’ space from any opponent players who might have had ideas about taking the ball off him.
Thwaites did this a handful of times, every time with success, and it is a little detail that Michael Carrick is sure to appreciate as a legendary midfielder.
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Jim Thwaites is ready to get an opportunity under Michael Carrick
The midfield department at Michael Carrick’s disposal right now is struggling, and the performances are crying out for the addition of Thwaites.
United’s midfield lacks cutting edge, progression, and bravery, which Thwaites has in abundance, should he be able to replicate his quality in the first team.
In addition to his on-ball quality, Thwaites has the fight that United are lacking, which he demonstrated during his cameo in the post-season tour last season.
Thwaites wouldn’t be a passenger in midfield for United, as he gets involved in the duels and tackling, unafraid of the dirty work.
United’s midfield has been lacking these qualities, so Carrick can bolster his ranks with this addition.
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