Manchester Evening News: Five Manchester United Academy prospects set for first-team debuts next season

On June 19, according to the British media outlet Manchester Evening News, five Manchester United youth players are expected to feature in the first team next season.

The Manchester United Academy has been the bedrock of the club, nurturing legendary talents like Sir Bobby Charlton, George Best, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and more recently Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Kobbie Mainoo.

Mainoo’s progression in particular has caught the attention in recent years.

A Manchester United correspondent noted, “Mainoo has outgrown youth football, and the first team needs his talent.”

With the club’s qualification for the Europa League through the FA Cup, the latter stages of the group stage could provide opportunities for young players to make their debut appearances.

Despite changes to the Europa League format next season, there should still be chances for Academy prospects to make their first-team bow in Europe and potentially feature in domestic cup competitions.

Amos, who joined from Watford last summer, has been a key player for the U18s in his first year in Manchester and has trained with the first team. He shows great promise at left-back.

Defenders Jackson and Oguhneye also have their sights on the first team, while Ethan Whitely and Shea Lacey, both highly-rated forwards from the Academy, could also get their chances.

As manager Erik ten Hag prepares for the pre-season tour of the USA, he will give an indication of which young players are most likely to make their debuts next season.

Last summer, Mainoo, Dan Gore, and Omari Forson all featured in pre-season and subsequently earned first-team call-ups. Ten Hag has shown a willingness to give opportunities to talented youngsters, and this trend is expected to continue.