Thursday signalled the dawn of Manchester United’s pre-season endeavours, as Michael Carrick welcomed some of the Premier League’s household names back to Carrington.
Although he was without any of his World Cup participants, the head coach began with nine senior players ahead of a crucial campaign for the 20-time English champions.
While initial workloads were expectedly managed, eyes are already focused on an opening summer outing against Wrexham in Helsinki, Finland, on Saturday, July 18.
A mixture of young and old will be handed ample opportunities throughout, with the likes of Harry Amass and Toby Collyer both enjoying themselves after returning from separate loan spells.
Naturally, summer signings will continue to dominate social conversation, with impending arrivals Andrey Santos and Karl Darlow both expected to feature throughout the Reds’ pre-season travels.
But it is the prospect of witnessing some of the academy’s brightest stars in action that has offered a glimmer of hope amongst an agitated fanbase, as several names continue to generate ample excitement.
When discussing those on the cusp of senior stardom, it’s incredibly difficult to ignore JJ Gabriel.
Despite not turning 16 until October, this flamboyant attacker is one of the most gifted footballers in any academy, in any country, despite being too young to be a first-year scholar.
Supporter excitement is more than warranted, and the expectation to see JJ on tour is understandable, given the growing European attention surrounding his future.
A remarkable 30-goal contributions (26 G, 4 A) across 29 appearances tells only a fraction of the story for a youngster who possesses trickery, confidence, and a breathtaking turn of pace, regardless of size and frame.
His efforts earned him both United’s Under-18 Player of the Year and the division’s Player of the Year despite being just 14 when the campaign began.
With the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain circling, Gabriel will certainly be handed the opportunity to feature this summer, with the allure of future senior participation an absolute certainty.
For those of you who follow our work regularly, you’ll already know of our long-standing admiration for Tyler Fletcher.
Having earned two senior cameos since February against Spurs and Brighton, the midfielder was invited to join Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad for pre-tournament training in May.
Inevitably, his commitment and skill set left a lasting impression, leading to a first senior outing against Curacao before being handed a second-half cameo away to Bolivia a week later.
Such was his maturity and dedication within the group that Clarke saw fit to include him in the Scots’ World Cup squad as a late replacement for the injured Billy Gilmour.
Although he did not feature during their three fixtures, Fletcher will hope to build on a memorable season that also saw him named Denzil Haroun Reserve-Team Player of the Year.
As previously reported, our sources indicate that Carrick and his staff are hugely impressed by the 19-year-old and are weighing up the most suitable avenue for his development during the summer.
While there are many more names we could explore, such as Jacob Devaney, Jim Thwaites, or the hugely talented James Scanlon, Shea Lacey is one of the academy’s jewels.
Like Fletcher, the 19-year-old has enjoyed an advanced senior standing, becoming a regular participant in first-team training during the final months of the campaign.
His underage involvement was limited to playing time in matches, complementing his three senior appearances against Aston Villa, Burnley, and Brighton.
It is no secret that Lacey is held in high regard at Carrington, and our sources have long advised about the uncertainty of the benefits of a loan move, given his current ability.
However, the only dilemma is a potential lack of playing time, given that his natural position is held by the likes of Amad and Bryan Mbeumo.
Injuries have often hampered the teen, but this summer will offer a platform to signify his arrival as an attacking option for Carrick, and few would bet against him delivering.
Who would you like to see given significant playing time during the pre-season?
Let us know in the comments or across our social channels–photo by operations@newsimages.co.uk via depositphotos.com.
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