Manchester United’s all-conquering treble-winning Under-18 side
While there have been plenty of challenging moments for Manchester United this season, there is an undeniable sense of positivity in the Under-18 crop, with supporters investing themselves in their remarkable success this campaign.
For the treble-winning group of 2024, it was a story of continuous achievements – winning an astonishing 14 consecutive Premier League North fixtures, ending the domestic season with 20 wins, two draws and only two defeats, while lifting the Premier League Cup and sealing the Premier League National crown against Chelsea in Stamford Bridge.
This all-conquering side – led by the brilliant Adam Lawrence – has played with confidence, composure, flair and swagger – trademarks of many of the great United teams of years gone by. Their development highlights the level of talent in depth that has inspired a new generation of academy supporters.
Many of these players will inevitably move on to alternative surroundings and hope to seal a long-lasting career in the professional game. But, as is a perennial hope, several names have given themselves an opportunity at the first team, and in Erik ten Hag, they have a manager who fundamentally supports the advancement of youth.
Beginning with the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year
2024 has seen a meteoric rise for the recipient of the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award, Ethan Wheatley.
The teenager – who turned 18 in January and signed his first professional contract – has already notched three senior appearances for Ten Hag’s outfit in the last three weeks. The Stockport lad has risen through the academy and has been an integral reason for this ‘golden generation’ success.
Throughout U18 competition, Premier League 2, UEFA Youth League and through his senior birth, the intelligent centre-forward has supplied 14 goals and four assists in 30 appearances, or a goal contribution every 95 minutes played.
His 21st-minute strike in the Premier League National Final against the Blues was calm, composed, and typical of what we have come to expect from a player who has impressed coaches across every level of the football club.
The sky is the limit for Wheatley, and in a game where tactics have seen clinical strikers often replaced by inside forwards, his natural ability will allow him every opportunity for success in his Manchester United journey.
The goalkeeper who was honoured with the Denzil Haroun Young Player of the Year
At a time when Manchester United have invested heavily in 28-year-old André Onana, with 26-year-old Altay Bayındır chomping at the bit, teen keeper Elyh Harrison has offered a compelling option.
Harrison turned 18 in February and joined the club from Stevenage in 2022 – with a comprehensive scouting network identifying the shot-stopper as a genuine contender for first-team conversation within five seasons.
His performances for the Under-18s and Under-21s have earned regular applause, with high detail given to his agility, confidence in distribution, outstanding reflexes and undoubted ability to play within a group holding a high line.
Ten Hag rates the England Under-19 player highly, with endless statistical reports highlighting a high probability that his attributes will rise towards the required standard for the United first team.
The fundamental factor in his development will be senior game time. He will unlikely obtain that in Manchester, but, instead, through a series of loan spells to gain the required experience. But the future looks very bright for Harrison.
Luke Shaw 2.0
The left side of defence has been an overwhelming issue for much of the season, with long-term injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia seeing Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka deputising in their absences. Enter Harry Amass.
The London-born defender is on the younger side of the list, having turned 17 in March. That said, his growth has been remarkable, and his physique resembles Kobbie Mainoo. His playing style is eerily similar to Shaw’s – with composure beyond his years in defensive and attacking transitions.
Having moved from Watford in August 2023, his rise has accelerated faster than academy officials anticipated, with many now seeing a clear route for first-team competition – having impressed in several senior training sessions.
His performances in the underage groups have always left a lasting impression, with that fantastic viewpoint of a man playing amongst boys. His ball-carrying and composure in the final third rank amongst the best in his age bracket. Many in the club feel 2024/25 will be a breakout year for the hugely-impressive teenager.
The apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree
United are blessed with several brilliant attacking options throughout the ranks, and in Jack Fletcher, we see an attacking midfielder who ticks the required boxes and more.
Like his father, Darren, he has an industrious work-rate and an undeniable engine that will stand to him for many years. However, his technical ability and footballing IQ present an opportunity for Jack to control football games.
First and foremost, he is notably press-resistant and is comfortable taking the ball on the half-turn. He has vision and passing range and is comfortable controlling the tempo while dictating the play through transition.
He holds a tall, slender frame and could be compared to Cole Palmer in many ways, and at 17, the Scot has an opportunity to feature for the senior side.
A history-making 17-year-old
James Scanlon joined the academy in 2021, having impressed through the underage system at Derby County.
The midfielder has been a regular feature for under-18 and under-21 sides throughout the campaign, with many impressed by his physicality and imposing nature on the field.
He became the first United player to represent Gibraltar’s senior side, coming off the bench in a 1-0 Nations League play-off defeat against Lithuania in March 2024.
His status is good at the club, and he does not turn 18 until September. Scanlon is a smooth footballer with a strong engine and holds many traits that Ten Hag finds desirable.
The Liverpool-born Manchester United supporter
Shea Lacey is, in many ways, United’s answer to Phil Foden. Both are small, but both hold extraordinary technique and composure on the football while embodying the ‘inside forward’ role.
Lacey turned 17 in April and expected another memorable personal campaign before his season-halting injury in October. At the time, he had two goals and three assists in five outings, but five months on the sideline added a frustrating memory for the forward.
His ability is undeniable, and like many of his under-18 teammates, he has enjoyed first-team training sessions since returning to the field.
His work rate, first touch and decision-making are of the highest standard, and despite his small frame, he has given himself an opportunity for consideration next season.
Lacey is a sensationally talented footballer and one of the most gifted at the academy.
From Dagestan, with love
Amir Ibragimov is the 16-year-old Dagestan-born footballer likened to some of the most legendary names to have played at Old Trafford.
Despite turning 16 last month, he is already training with the first team and has generated a buzz and excitement seldom seen at his age – for club and underage levels with England.
Academy coach Raducio King declared: “I haven’t seen many who can run like him. I could see him playing as a number 10 – in a Wayne Rooney role”.
His physique and ability to strike through the ball with both feet while holding a low centre of gravity through an impressive dribble make for a unique prospect.
Having spoken with staff, I understand he has a firm opportunity of featuring in the first-team setup in some capacity during 2024/25 – as the club attempts to tie down his long-term future.
He may not have featured heavily throughout the Under-18s run, but this is a name you will need to remember.
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