Although Manchester United are routinely battered from pillar to post by the idle mismanagement of absent owners, the illustrious academy roots continue to strengthen a potentially prosperous future in the North West.
Ruben Amorim, famed for his willingness to embrace youth, has already introduced several promising teenagers during his short reign, with several on the cusp of first-team regularity.
Admittedly, expectations must be realistic: It would be foolhardy to ignore the gulf in class between the academy and senior ranks.
But in the words of the great Sir Matt Busby, if they are good enough, they are old enough, and Carrington possesses an undeniable collection of talent.
Whether through the older grades of the Premier League 2 or the all-conquering abilities of an expectational under-18 crop, the 20-time English champions have been quietly harnessing a golden generation.
As we await the business end of a traumatic campaign ahead of a potentially critical summer window, we’ve highlighted several youngsters knocking on the door of first-team consideration in Amorim’s Manchester revolution.
Chido Obi | A future Manchester United number 9
The first name on our list will come as no surprise following his highly-anticipated move from Premier League rivals Arsenal.
Having already earned senior minutes under Amorim, Chido Obi has provided ample evidence of his threat in several impressive cameos.
During a period where goals have been challenging to come by, the boy who once hit Liverpool for 10 has every opportunity for a long-lasting career at the elite of European football.
Boasting everything from strength, pace, attacking prowess and clinical finishing, the Glostrup-born sensation ticks every box. But, as we’ve seen with Rasmus Hojlund, the burden of bearing the weight of a United attacking line is a difficult task.
Supporters will require patience and understanding, and like Rasmus, Chido will need mentoring from a veteran hitman who has been there and done it.
Jaydan Kamason | Potential and ability beyond his years
Having played a pivotal role in breaking Arsenal hearts during a pulsating FA Youth Cup victory, Jaydan Kamason added further fuel to his growing case for a senior opportunity.
At 18, the full-back has already earned ample praise from Amorim’s coaching staff with a strong belief in his ability to jump in class.
For those unaware, Kamason made Manchester United history when he became the first player from the Emerging Talent Programme to sign professional terms in December 2023.
Since then, his growth has been instrumental to the many success stories of his team, and he could very well solve the right-back dilemma that many feel has plagued the club for several years.
Bendito Mantato | Versatile and charismatic
Throughout the glory years of Sir Alex Ferguson, supporters routinely embraced several memorable relationships on the wing; think Gary Neville and David Beckham.
Thankfully, in 2025, we are witnessing the growth of a youthful bond between the aforementioned Jaydan Kamason and the undeniably gifted Bendito Mantato.
At 17, the England underage international has cemented his spot at the heart of this brilliant youth crop, terrorising opponents with a brand of flair and bravado on the right wing.
His goal against the Gunners in the FA Youth Cup was one of seven this season, and it typified his understanding of the beautiful game and his desire to embrace the United Way in beating his man.
Furthermore, his regularity as a left-sided wing-back for his country emphasises his desire to play regardless of the task. We are witnessing weekly cries for his consideration in first-team matters, and one feels it is only a matter of time.
Jack Fletcher | A significant talent
A little under a week since Jack turned 18, his star continues to grow within Old Trafford. Like his father, Darren, undeniable tenacity and desire exist, but the son possesses a technical gift that the father did not.
Despite his age, Fletcher has proven perfectly capable of transitioning between the under-18 ranks and the Premier League 2, supplying 12 contributions (six goals & six assists) from 15 appearances across all competitions.
Notably, the domineering midfielder has excelled in the older ranks with four goals and three assists from eight impressive outings.
However, his 33-minute cameo against Barnsley in the EFL trophy announced his presence amongst senior opposition emphatically, dragging his team from two goals down for a memorable 3-2 victory.
In short, he is a technically beautiful player with control, press resistance and a passing range that is eerily similar to a young Michael Carrick. It is not a case of if for this young midfielder, but when.
James Scanlon | A breakout campaign
With 10 full Senior International appearances under his belt, Gibraltar winger James Scanlon has set the academy ranks alight throughout 2024-25.
Having amassed 17 goals & six assists from 24 appearances, the 18-year-old attacker is making it very difficult to ignore his claim for progression.
His versatility has offered a flamboyant option for Adam Lawrence, diverging his time between either flank, with his four-goal haul in a 9-0 drubbing of Blackburn Rovers emphasising his cut-throat qualities.
Sources close to the Theatre of Red have offered glowing references for the youngster, with an expectation for a stellar career to come. “When we look at James, the ceiling is high,” a close associate stated.
“I mean, just look at his contribution to the football club this season – we are immensely proud of the boy!
“Then, you look at what he is achieving on the world stage with Gibraltar. We work very closely with the guys to ensure his development is not forgotten, and we receive ample support to ensure his growth is recognised.
“He has every chance.”
Harry Amass | From London to Manchester
Expectation and reality are two entirely different dynamics. However, Manchester United may have obtained a left-sided full-back for over a decade in Harry Amass.
Having already tasted the magnitude of a senior appearance with a 21-minute Premier League cameo against Leicester, the former Watford talent is primed for a career in the North West.
Like many modern defenders, Harry is a technically gifted footballer with notable physicality despite his age. He has a sensational pace to burn and offers a style and skillset comparable to Luke Shaw.
Having spent time with Carrington officials to probe their expectations, Shaun Connolly speaks of a maturity beyond his years and a burning desire to test himself against the best in the game.
Erik ten Hag rated Amass highly and included him in all five pre-season fixtures. Ruben Amorim shares the belief in the youngster, with many feeling he is at the top of the list for those desperate to shine at the Theatre of Dreams.
Although we have only covered six players, the academy ranks are bursting with talent and potential starlets. 16-year-old Amir Ibragimov continues to defy belief, and the unfortunate Shea Lacey (17) has the world at his feet if he can avoid injury.
Gabriele Biancheri (18) and Jacob Devaney (17) have collected a cult following – and rightly so – with the likes of Habeeb Ogunneye (19) impressing weekly.
If anything, this merely emphasises the nature of the beast brewing in the North West, and while there are ample causes for concern at the senior level, the foundations of this once-proud football club are still strong.
How do you feel about the academy talents at Manchester United? Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
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