Manchester United’s academy is brimming with talent, and it’s a great sign for the future.
Tyler Fletcher stepping up to make his first team debut for Manchester United demonstrated how the academy keeps on supplying new talent.
There are more promising young players in the pipeline too, who are desperate to get the chance to show it in the next round of the FA Youth Cup.
After wins against Peterborough and Derby, United face Oxford United in the fifth round on February 18.
There is heavy competition for places in the under-18s competition, and three players sent big messages to coach Darren Fletcher at the weekend.
Tyler Fletcher has become Man Utd’s 258th academy graduate
How do you think he did in his brief appearance? What are your expectations for him?
Louie Bradbury
Manchester United’s weekend began with the under-21s coming from behind to grab a draw against Derby County on Friday night.
Chido Obi started the game, having dropped to the 18s for the last FA Youth Cup round. He was unable to score in this one, and substitute striker Louie Bradbury did the honours.
Bradbury was a late substitute and he was in the right place at the right time to score a stoppage time leveller.
It was Bradbury’s second goal in as many games at under-21 level, and he is the form striker right now in the academy.
He is making a real case to start the next round of the FA Youth Cup, scoring every 62 minutes at academy level this season.
JJ Gabriel
JJ Gabriel is the most exciting player in the Manchester United academy, already training with the first team at 15.
Gabriel has started both FA Youth Cup matches so far and scored in the opening round. He is warming up in style for the next game.
United’s under-18s won 2-1 at Middlesbrough at the weekend with Gabriel leading the way, netting his first goal of 2026 and his 13th of the season.
Gabriel scored a spectacular free-kick to open the scoring and then provided the assist for the winner, an eventual own goal.
United’s young sensation is pushing for another start as he looks to keep his impressive run going.
Which player is the only one to score 30 Premier League goals in a 38-game season for United?
Kai Rooney
Kai Rooney delivered the best performance of the weekend for Manchester United’s under-16s side.
Rooney dropped down to start for the 16s against Norwich in the Premier League Cup semi-final, and he was a class apart.
United won the game 6-4, with Rooney scoring four of United’s goals.
Rooney was a late substitute in the previous FA Youth Cup round, and his latest performance showed that he is pushing for a place in the squad and even the line-up in next week’s game.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
