Among the many focuses for Ruben Amorim at Manchester United this summer, he must also help decide which youngsters need to go on loan.
Manchester United had a terrible season last time out, but like always, there were chances for youth talents from the Academy to shine.
Toby Collyer, Harry Amass and Chido Obi all received their first-team debuts, while Ayden Heaven also got opportunities soon after his move from Arsenal.
While there hasn’t been much to shout about for the senior side in recent years, there has been a real improvement in the Academy, with the Under-18s side seeing the most success.
After winning the FA Youth Cup in 2022 with the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo playing, they secured the treble during the 2023/24 campaign.
There are many exciting talents within the youth ranks at Carrington and several have already headed out on loan to further their developments, such as Habeeb Ogunneye and Sonny Aljofree.
Three Academy starlets set to stay next season
The Athletic’s latest report dives into the futures of various young talents at United for the upcoming campaign, including 17-year-old striker Chido Obi.
But there are three other young players who look set to remain at Old Trafford rather than head out on loans, with Shea Lacey being among them.
Lacey, 18, is said to be likely to gain experience at Under-21s level rather than being loaned out after injuries have impacted his ability to develop at that standard. Some have also predicted a potential first-team debut for the exciting talent too.
Meanwhile, the report added that Bendito Mantato will experience a similar fate, with there being a desire for the wide player to get extra experience at PL2 level. He spent several times on the bench for Ruben Amorim last term.
Finally, it was mentioned that Godwill Kukonki will remain at the club and start to get more minutes as a centre-back after playing a lot at left-back last term.
Trio could receive debuts next season
Amorim will not get loads of chances to integrate the youth next term. There are fewer games and much more pressure to perform for the side.
But those three players, especially Lacey and Mantato, could be among those to be given chances during cup fixtures or when injuries inevitably come for Amorim’s side.
Lacey’s profile is perfect for the right-sided no.10 role while it has already been reported that Amorim likes the idea of Mantato adapting to the wingback position.
Kukonki’s build and skillset is also ideal for the wide centre-back role but he might take slightly longer to break through, partly due to the strong competition in the defence at Old Trafford.
Still, it is clear that Amorim rates the defender highly and if he manages to get more game-time in his preferred position, he could sneak his way towards a first-team debut next term.
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