Having begun pre-season affairs with a Finnish defeat at the hands of Wrexham, Michael Carrick’s men are ready to embrace their Norwegian duties.
His Manchester United side is travelling to face Rosenborg in Trondheim with aspirations of building further fitness ahead of August’s Premier League opener at Hull.
A 25-man squad has been named for Friday’s outing, with the notable inclusion of teenage sensation JJ Gabriel attracting the expected global attention.
And while his presence will undoubtedly cause excitement, the continued inclusion of Jacob Devaney is also one to keep your eyes firmly fixed upon.
Fresh off the invaluable experience of playing top-flight football in Scotland, Jacob continues to generate attention behind the scenes in the North West.
The one-time captain of United’s under-21 side excelled during a loan spell at St Mirren, endearing himself to The Buddies during his 18-game stay.
His positive presence within the team became evident within weeks of his arrival, culminating in a stellar contribution against Patrick Thistle during the Premiership Play-Offs.
Whether assisting in defence or driving play in transition, the Irish underage international was a weekly workhorse, averaging 10.4km per game and a top speed of 34.7 km/h.
Given his attention to detail, our sources have confirmed that several of Glasgow’s finest were left extremely impressed by the teenager and continue to monitor his development with interest.
When assessing his positional stature from February onwards, it’s easy to see why the youngster has collected his admirers up north.
Jacob Devaney Scottish Premiership Heatmap via Sofascore
Traditionally harnessed as a defensive midfielder, Devaney has expanded his game and willingness to chip in when required.
As was evident during the second half showing against Wrexham, the 19-year-old replaced Harry Maguire in defence, looking plenty assured with his surroundings.
But this should come as no surprise to supporters of the academy game, given that five of his under-21 appearances last season began as a captain in defence.
Having spent ample time with our colleagues on the ground in Manchester, maturity is the word most often associated with Jacob—that, and a natural leadership that routinely surfaces.
While there wasn’t much to take from defeat in Helsinki during the opening half, Devaney’s second-half cameo offered plenty of food for thought for Carrick ahead of a crucial campaign.
As is the case with several names vying for senior consideration, much is left to be decided within Carrick’s coaching staff this summer.
Tyler Fletcher, Shea Lacey, Harry Amass and Jaydan Kamason all retain ambitions of further integration and, like Devaney, are aiming to impress over the coming weeks.
Nonetheless, Ireland’s underage star is confident in his abilities and again highlighted invaluable maturity when addressing his future at the Olympic Stadium.
“Obviously, I want to play first-team football,” he told a collection of the media. “Whether that be at Man United for the next year, or not, the main aim and goal for me is to play for Man United week in, week out.
“So, whether I have to go on loan again and gain more valuable experience, like what happened at St Mirren, that’s what I’ll do. Or whether that be in the building, learning from the best, which is here at Man United. So, we’ll see what happens.”
With the likelihood of another 45-minute cameo against Rosenborg to come, Devaney can deliver another first-team statement in front of an adoring audience.
And given his well-documented intentions for personal growth, few would bet against a standout display.
Action is set for a 17:00 BST start in Trondheim on Friday, July 24.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments or across our social channels-photo by operations@newsimages.co.uk via depositphotos.com.
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