Australia manager explains decision to call James Overy into senior squad, ‘We know…’

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Manchester United wing-back James Overy got his first-ever senior international call-up for Australia this month.

Despite not yet featuring for the Manchester United senior team, James Overy has now been involved for his country at first-team level.

The right-back is only 18, and Overy joined United in 2024, signing after he left Perth Glory and moved to the UK with his family.

Overy has caught Ruben Amorim’s eye at United, being involved in first-team training at various points over the past six months.

But undoubtedly, the biggest moment of his career will be a call to represent his country.

Tony Popovic explains why James Overy got Australia call-up

Overy got called into the Australian squad this month, which came as a shock, but likely after he really impressed during the U20 World Cup earlier this season.

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Discussing Overy’s call-up to the Sydney Morning Herald, Tony Popovic explained why he has decided to call the wing-back into his squad.

“We have good contacts at Man United… We know what he’s doing in training. We know how much he trains, how much he trains in the first team.

“He’s getting games in the Under-18s, the Under-21s. I just thought he’s worth having a look at, and let’s see.”

This suggests that United are very excited by Overy, impressed by how he’s been faring this season in particular.

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While having a difficult opening few months as a United player, with injuries to overcome, the Socceroos star has come on in leaps and bounds.

Overy has already qualified for the World Cup next summer with Australia and will be desperate to get a chance to go to North America for it.

Amorim has taken a liking to Overy, with the Australian having all the qualities needed to be a wing-back in his system.

Perhaps his chance to step up will come during AFCON in December and January, when Amad and Noussair Mazraoui will be absent, and therefore Carrington needs to provide reinforcements.