The endless doom and gloom surrounding Manchester United and Erik ten Hag’s first team can be tiresome. But, the academy offers signs of a promising future, with several standout stars emerging.
Notably, the Under-18 crop enjoyed a scintillating domestic treble last season and have continued their remarkable form with five wins from five, scoring 21 and netting nine against Blackburn Rovers.
At Under-21, the group have impressed in multiple outings, enjoying memorable victories against Barnsley and Doncaster in the EFL Trophy.
While frustrating defeats have surfaced against Liverpool and Manchester City, the group was impressive in both and has offered ample suggestions for a strong showing in Premier League 2.
Amongst a plethora of continental and domestic fixtures, an opening night outing against Forest Green in the newly reformed National League Cup offers additional opportunities for silverware.
For those unaware, this is a competition pitting 16 sides from Premier League 2 against 16 teams from England’s fifth tier – the National League.
United’s campaign gets underway this evening (Wednesday, October 9) with ample anticipation amongst the group.
Ahead of the fixture, we wanted to bring some of our Under-21 stars into the limelight, offering supporters an opportunity to learn about the next wave of talented Reds, knocking on the door of first-team consideration.
Travis Binnion
Before exploring the squad, we must recognise the man guiding this collection of academy starlets – Travis Binnion.
Having taken the reigns from Mark Dempsey in 2023, the former Ireland underage defender moved to Manchester in 2019 following three years in Sheffield as academy manager of the Blades.
He plays a crucial role in the North West, overseeing the development of every academy player aged 17-21 as the official Head of Player Development and Coaching.
Unknown to some supporters for the part he plays, Binnon previously coached the Under-18s from 2021, two years after he began his role as United Academy’s Head of Player Development.
Ethan Wheatley
Ethan Wheatley is a name most of you will be familiar with, having solidified himself as a figure who can transition to senior football when required.
At 18, the sky is the limit for the Stockport native, already a winner of the historic Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award.
Throughout last season’s memorable Under-18 campaign, the hitman notched 14 goals and four assists in 30 appearances – impressively clocking a goal contribution every 95 minutes played.
The jump to the 21s has not fazed him either, with five goals bagged in seven appearances.
His name is held very highly within the halls of Old Trafford, and Erik ten Hag is a keen admirer.
Jacob Devaney
Recently named in the Republic of Ireland Under-19 setup for an upcoming tournament in Croatia, Jacob Devaney has enjoyed considerable growth in his young career.
From multiple sessions with Ten Hag’s first team to inspiring underage performances, the Yorkshire-born midfielder has split his time between the 18s and 21s.
With four appearances under his belt for Binnion’s side, impressive showings against Doncaster and Manchester City have elevated his standing.
Furthermore, his continued utilisation in the undefeated younger group highlights his versatility to accommodate multiple tasks.
At 17, his ceiling is incredibly high, and his commitment to individual training is well-regarded. United and Ireland can enjoy the growth of this promising prospect in the coming months and years.
Habeeb Ogunneye
With seven under-21 appearances this season, Habeeb Ogunneye is a stylish defender with notable pace and physicality.
At only 18, the London-born full-back has gained experience across multiple underage competitions, from the UEFA Youth League to FA Youth Cup and Premier League 2.
His development also caught the eye of Ten Hag, with a first-team call-up in February following successful showings in training.
Promisingly, he featured regularly in multiple match-day squads throughout 2023-24, with the most recent at Wembley for an FA Cup semi-final meeting with Coventry.
Undeniably, the growth of the full-back in modern football is prominent, and this right-sided youngster can make a notable impact in a new-look Ineos underage dynamic.
Ruben Curley
Promising midfielder Ruben Curley is one of the senior features at 19.
Capable of operating in defensive and central midfield roles, Curley offered a wealth of availability across the 23-24 campaign, supplying 14 appearances for the 21s and 19 for the 18s, adding four goals in the process.
Once more, he has been a prominent fixture for Binnion’s side, enjoying six outings this season throughout league and cup.
Like many of his academy teammates, he is a physically robust athlete who craves possession of the football.
His efforts throughout an outstanding treble-winning campaign returned Manchester United’s Premier League Scholar of the Year award for 2023-24.
Sam Mather
A local lad from Salford, Sam Mather is a 20-year-old winger with an eye for the outrageous.
He netted twice at Old Trafford during the memorable run to the FA Youth Cup Final and debuted for the under-21s in August 2021.
He has been a regular feature in the academy, netting four goals in a 4-2 victory against Norwich in January before enjoying a loan spell with Rochdale and adding senior goals against Oxford City and Oldham.
A strong start to the campaign has returned three goals and an assist in seven outings for the 21s, with two coming in that memorable 4-3 EFL trophy victory against Doncaster Rovers.
Mather is primed to compete for minutes throughout a busy campaign for Ten Hag.
Ethan Ennis
Runcorn-born 19-year-old Ethan Ennis is the final name on today’s list, already creating quite a stir in his young career.
A Liverpool academy player for many years, he rejected a deal with the Merseysiders to join United in 2021.
Following a slow bedding-in period, the forward found his feet to net a double against his former side in a nine-goal run from ten outings.
A cruciate injury halted his progress in 2022, but a successful rehabilitation allowed a return to action, with seven under-21 appearances throughout last season.
He featured against Rosenborg and Rangers during pre-season for Ten Hag before contributing four goals and an assist in eight appearances for Binnion’s side this term.
Keep an eye on this flashy forward throughout the season.
This is simply a selection of the talent you will see line out for our exciting academy sides – with the likes of Harry Amass, Jack Fletcher, and many more previously covered on the Theatre of Red.
Tonight’s fixture will get underway from 19:00 BST, with MUTV providing coverage from five minutes before kick-off.
How do you feel about the fruitful academy blossoming at Manchester United?
Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
All images captured during Manchester United’s U21 meeting with Barnsley in the EFL trophy. Credit to newsimages.co.uk
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