Man United’s academy has a rich history of producing brilliant talent and here are five players who could have bright futures.
There were four academy graduates in Manchester United’s starting line-up against Liverpool.
Willy Kambwala, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford all started on Sunday afternoon, highlighting the pathway for aspiring youngsters in the academy. Sir Matt Bubsy once said “If you’re good enough, you’re old enough,” and that still rings true.
United have an unrivalled track record of nurturing talent from the academy and Erik ten Hag deserves praise for continuing to give opportunities to young players who have potential. Since the emergence of Garnacho, Mainoo has been the most recent academy success story and Kambwala has also contributed to the senior squad throughout this season.
Garnacho and Mainoo started in the 2021/22 FA Youth Cup final and Kambwala was part of that group of players, so which youngsters could breakthrough into the first-team next? We’ve taken a closer look at some of the most talented players in the academy.
Harry Amass
He only turned 17 a few weeks ago and he was named in United’s squad to face Liverpool last weekend, which was the reward for his excellent progress in the academy. The youngster joined United from Watford last summer and his first year in Manchester has seen him become a key player for the Under-18s and train with the first-team.
Amass, who plays at left-back, is considered one of the most exciting talents in English football and his signing from Watford was regarded as a coup by many familiar with youth football. The Hornets were desperate to keep hold of Amass beyond his scholarship deal, but United won the race for his signature and he’s bound to have a bright future.
Amir Ibragimov
The Manchester Evening News revealed in April last year that Ibragimov had trained with the first-team at just 15 years old. That was a remarkable achievement given his age, but it’s thought the best is yet to come from the midfielder, who was born in Russia.
Ibragimov was initially part of Sheffield United’s academy after his family moved to England, but he underwent a successful trial with United and he’s settled in Manchester. He’s worn the armband for United in various age groups and is expected to feature regularly for the U18s next season. “There aren’t many I’ve seen that can run like him,” Raducio King, who has coached Ibragimov, told the MEN in an interview last year.
“I could see him playing as a No.10, like a Wayne Rooney role, driving forward, switching balls, tackling, attacking, you name it. Just making sure the team does well – he can attack and defend.”
Ibragimov returned from an injury during the festive period and he’s among the goals since returning to fitness, pointing toward an exciting future.
Shea Lacey
The promising Lacey has regularly gone viral on social media over the last few years, with footage of his goals amassing millions of views and creating a buzz among supporters. Lacey is set to sign his first professional contract this month after celebrating his 17th birthday and United will reward him with a deal in recognition of his vast potential.
The youngster has been limited to just eight appearances this season due to an injury – the first of his career – and fans who follow the academy are eager to see him back in action.
Lacey was born in Merseyside and comes from a family of Liverpool fans, but he’s a United supporter who grew up idolising multi-Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi. His natural position is on the right wing, his style has drawn comparisons to Phil Foden and he’s part of a talented group of players emerging at United.
Bendito Mantato
United youngster Bendito Mantato has been in excellent form for the academy, which explains why he’s been the subject of interest from Premier League rivals over the last few months.
Although Mantato can play at left-back, it’s thought his future will lie on the right wing due to his attacking quality and he recently scored four goals in one game against Blackburn. Mantato’s superb goalscoring form – six in three games – has impressed clubs and he’s continued to go from strength to strength after taking part in first-team training. His dribbling ability is a huge asset and he’s been backed to continue to make strong headway.
Ethan Wheatley
Every successful team needs a forward who can find the back of the net and Ethan Wheatley has been the most prolific scorer for an U18 United side that’s set to win the league. Wheatley has scored eight goals in seven league appearances for the U18s and that includes a special hat-trick against Liverpool, which came in an emphatic 9-1 victory.
The striker has also stepped up to the Under-21s when required and scored the opening goal in the mini-Manchester derby against Manchester City in February. Wheatley still needs to physically develop and mature in his frame, but he’s made impressive strides over the last 18 months and his finishing will only continue to improve.
