Rúben Amorim has been keeping a close eye on five of Manchester United’s teenage stars as the club gears up for his first full campaign as head coach.
Rúben Amorim’s squad began pre-season training on Monday as Manchester United step up preparations for the 2025/26 season.
After spending just under two weeks working at Carrington, the team will embark on a pre-season tour comprising five fixtures. The first will see them travel to Sweden to face familiar rivals Leeds United at the Strawberry Arena.
They will then travel to the United States for matches against West Ham, Bournemouth, and Everton, before returning to Old Trafford for their final friendly against Fiorentina, whose squad includes former United goalkeeper David de Gea.
The Premier League have confirmed that United will kick off the new campaign with a major clash against Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday, 17 August, with kick-off at 16:30 BST.
Amorim keeping a close eye on five teenage stars
On the first day of training, 15 of United’s first-team members and fringe Academy players turned up at Carrington, with many of the remaining players set to join the club later this week following international duty.
United’s first day of training mainly consisted of the club’s coaches and medical team assessing the players on their return, but club reporter Harry Robinson has also revealed some of what went on on the training pitch.
Robinson revealed on the club’s website that Amorim himself joined in a rondo with five of the club’s teenage stars and Amad, with the head coach wanting to get a very close look at the youngsters ahead of the five pre-season fixtures.
Tyler Fredricson, who made his debut last season, Shea Lacey, who impressed on the post-season tour, new signing Diego Leon, and Academy duo Bendito Mantato and Reece Munro all got to show off their skills in close quarters with Amorim.
Lacey set for debut next season
Liverpool-born Lacey is one of United’s most exciting young talents. However, due to a plethora of injuries last campaign, he was unable to make any significant contribution to the first team.
However, the “world-class talent” impressed on United’s post-season tour against ASEAN All-Stars and Hong Kong, and looks likely to be finally handed his senior debut next season.
There are no indications that the 18-year-old will be heading out on loan next season, meaning he will almost certainly float between the first team and United’s Academy squads across the next few months, and has the chance to really claim his place under Amorim during pre-season.
United will be playing in the early rounds of the Carabao Cup next season after finishing 15th in the Premier League last campaign, which could give Lacey the perfect chance for some professional minutes under his belt.
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.