Jay McEvoy might only be a year-one Manchester United scholar, but already, countless similarities are emerging with club legend Roy Keane, beyond their compatriotism.
17-year-old Manchester United midfielder Jay McEvoy has long been a prodigious talent in the ranks of the academy at Carrington, but this season he has begun to reach new heights.
McEvoy was in the scholars class of 2025, stepping into the U18 side under Darren Fletcher with increasingly impressive performances in central midfield.
In 2026, McEvoy has earned comparisons to Roy Keane from teammates for his quality and aggression in midfield, and this could see the long-standing hunt for Keane’s replacement end.
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Manchester United academy star Jim Thwaites playing in the Under-18s.
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Jay McEvoy celebrates with a knee slide for Manchester United U18.
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Jay McEvoy has become well-rounded in midfield for Manchester United
McEvoy earned a contract for his dominant youth performances in the lower academy groups and has now brought these into the U18 side.
He had a pretty modest start to the season, but since the turn of the year, McEvoy’s performances have been getting better and more rounded.
McEvoy has developed from Xavi comparisons, adding more strings to his bow, and now can be considered a very dynamic and well-rounded midfielder, similar in many ways to Keane. Not only is the Irish youth international a slick passer, but he has added line-breaking through balls to his game, having the ability to receive under pressure and find a way to progress play.
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The biggest upgrade to his game has been off the ball; however, the teenager has become a strong tackler, flying into duels and not being afraid to do the dirty work, which was what Keane was best known for. McEvoy’s tackles can look reckless at times, but he always ends up winning the ball cleanly, despite what the opponent may claim.
Additionally, McEvoy has started to score goals and become a threat in the final third, pressing high and scoring goals with strong finishing around the box.
Putting all of this together makes McEvoy well-rounded and an all-action midfielder who has all the qualities needed to one day represent Manchester United.
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Manchester United celebrate winning league.
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Michael Carrick must use Carrington in the midfield rebuild this summer
This summer will see Manchester United rebuild the midfield department from scratch, with Michael Carrick currently appearing to be leading the race to oversee this.
United will look to spend big, with a move for Sandro Tonali being considered along with Elliot Anderson.
However, United’s midfield needs four or five new faces to cope with playing across all four competitions. Two may be signings, and the rest should be taken from Carrington.
Jim Thwaites, Cristian Orozco, and Sekou Kone are contenders, while McEvoy could also push himself into contention at United should his performances continue to reach this high level.
These players are more than good enough to provide the depth behind three or four senior players, getting minutes in the cups and hopefully easier Champions League ties.
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