Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Manchester United’s set-pieces don’t have that zing anymore since Casemiro’s exit, but a wonderkid in the academy could step up to provide it soon.
Through the first three games in the Premier League, the silent optimism which preceded every corner and free-kick for Man Utd has dissipated.
Bruno Fernandes‘ deliveries aren’t connecting like they did last season, and Casemiro isn’t there to head it in either.
It’s difficult to find someone as prolific as Casemiro to head them in, but the academy can certainly provide the senior team with a player who can bridge the gap on deliveries.
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Jim Thwaites controls the game and set-pieces
When talking about academy midfielders who are on the cusp of the senior team, Jim Thwaites‘ name doesn’t come at the top of that list.
The Fletcher twins are the next up, in all likelihood, but that pecking order seems to be changing.
Thwaites was recently with the first-team group ahead of United’s UCL opener against Sabah, and then started against their U19s in the UEFA Youth League.
Thwaites was everywhere, from dictating play from a deeper position, advancing forward to play chance-creating passes, and he was threatening on set-pieces.
He finished the game with two assists, with the latter, in particular, a brilliant floated through ball which raked through four defenders and dropped to Gabriel in his stride.
He showed the best of both worlds as a midfielder, although it was a comfortable outing for him since Sabah didn’t pose any danger at all.
That won’t be the case with senior football, but he has improved his physicality as well, making his transition to senior football easier.
The most striking thing about him, however, is how he can soothe the pain of Casemiro’s departure.
Jim Thwaites could be worth it for set-piece alone
With all due respect to Bruno Fernandes, his set-piece deliveries aren’t as threatening anymore since Casemiro left.
Manchester United U18 v Sunderland U18: FA Youth Cup
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That says everything about who kept that partnership ticking, which is where Thwaites comes in.
The youngster is a pure wizard from dead-ball situations, which are becoming increasingly clutch in an attritional league.
Set-pieces are how United broke open so many games last season, and with Thwaites, you get that skill of teams being scared of giving away free-kicks in dangerous areas.
He also has a wicked corner delivery in him, and as he continues to improve his all-round game, he will only become more undeniable.
As it stands, there is an argument to be made that he’s worth some senior team minutes for his set-piece ability alone.