Manchester United’s academy could again solve a first-team problem, as Rúben Amorim could look to one youngster to solve his biggest issue.
Manchester United’s academy has been crucial to the club for its long and illustrious history. There has been an academy graduate in every matchday squad since October 1937.
Despite Rúben Amorim’s record with young players at Sporting CP – he gave debuts to 27 academy products in just over four years – there are currently a lack of academy players in United’s first team, due to Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford’s summer transfers.
Kobbie Mainoo is the most likely Carrington graduate to become a regular player at Old Trafford, like he was under Erik ten Hag, but displacing Bruno Fernandes in the double pivot will not be an easy task.
While there aren’t many in the first team squad currently, Amorim could be set to turn to the academy to solve some first-team problems, especially if United choose not to act in the January transfer window.
The biggest problem at Old Trafford remains the midfield. Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte have both struggled to perform under Amorim, while Fernandes doesn’t seem natural in his new position just yet.
Amorim should look towards Devaney
Jacob Devaney is a defensive midfielder who has become a regular for Travis Binnion’s under-21s side. The Republic of Ireland youth international has played as a centre-back and right-back, as well as in his natural position, this season.
The 18-year-old has been described as “highly rated”, but fans of the academy tend to refer to him as underrated compared to his technically excellent teammates.
What sets Devaney apart from other youngsters in the United academy is his aggression without the ball. His determination to win possession could make him the ideal candidate to feature alongside Fernandes in the double pivot.
Devaney was a regular for the under-18s side last season and has already become crucial to the under-21s team. Amorim could do a lot worse than giving the young midfielder some minutes in the first team.
Tyler Fletcher and Sékou Koné are the other defensive midfield talents in United’s under-21s side, but Devaney could be chosen ahead of them due to one other standout attribute.
A born leader
United’s senior side is lacking leadership. When Amorim’s side concedes first, they very rarely get back into the game because the squad don’t have enough leaders to boost everyone on the pitch.
However, this isn’t as much of an issue for the under-21s side because of Devaney’s presence. The young midfielder is often seen beckoning orders to his teammates before praising them.
Read More: Manchester United’s stance on Kobbie Mainoo leaving Old Trafford in January revealed
Fans of the academy will know how important Devaney has become. The youth captain is seriously missed when he very rarely misses a game.
With Casemiro and Ugarte struggling, why not turn to the academy and experiment with a new central midfield partnership?
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 12:30 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.