One of Manchester United’s academy stars is being ‘closely watched’ by rival Premier League clubs and teams across Europe.
While Manchester United’s senior side has faced difficulties in the Premier League this season, the club’s youth teams have been thriving.
The Under-18s have won five of their six league fixtures, and the Under-21s remain unbeaten with a flawless six wins from six in Premier League 2.
Travis Binnion’s side is filled with young talent but they are looking strong, with several of the youngsters being in and around Ruben Amorim’s first-team squad.
Chido Obi is currently leading the line for the young side while players like Shea Lacey and Bendito Mantato are also involved.
United academy star ‘closely watched’ by Premier League rivals
Jacob Devaney is the captain of United’s under-21s side and has played every minute of their league campaign so far this season.
The 18-year-old’s preferred role is at the base of midfield but he has also played at centre-back and right-back for Binnion’s side and showcased his tenacity and work-ethic. His manager has described his performances as ‘outstanding’.
While not one of the most talented players in United’s academy, Devaney has all of the right tools to make it at the top level and latest reports suggest he has been receiving some attention.
According to MailSport, the teenager is being closely watched by a number of United’s Premier League rivals as well as a handful of top European sides.
United would undoubtably want to keep Devaney, who would likely be set to move on loan in January or the start of next season.
United need to trust youth to fill squad roles
Young players like Devaney or Toby Collyer are never the most exciting youth players but they are the kind who can make a positive impact in the first-team.
They are the type of youngsters who will play in any position, do whatever role they need to and put 100 per cent effort in every game. Those are extremely useful players to have in your squad over the long-term.
But United also need to put trust in these players to fill those squad roles more often. At the moment, Collyer is out on loan at West Ham while Manuel Ugarte plays a rotational role at Old Trafford.
If the club begin to trust players like Collyer and Devaney, as well as other academy talent, to fill certain holes in the squad then the majority of the transfer budget can be focused on bringing in top class players for the most important positions, and that would only help United going forward.
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