Manchester United prospect Jim Thwaites is making a big impression in academy football. The first team could be next.
Jim Thwaites showcased his potential for Manchester United in an impressive win away at City in the Under-18s Derby.
With Michael Carrick in attendance, Thwaites’s performance will have reinforced the belief that he will follow and even overtake the Fletcher twins in the first team pecking order.
Thwaites scored United’s third goal with an unstoppable free-kick curled into the top corner, a skill that is quickly becoming his speciality.
United In Focus has been tracking his progress for the past few seasons. Here is everything you need to know…
Jim Thwaites key facts
- Full name: Jim Alec Joseph Thwaites
- Date of birth: 20/12/2007
- Nationality: English
- Position: Central midfield
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Jim Thwaites milestones
Jim Thwaites made his Manchester United under-18s debut in 2023 when he was only 15. His under-21 debut came when he was 17.
Thwaites scored his first under-18s goal in 2024 with a dramatic late equaliser away at Derby County, that preserved United’s unbeaten record in the league to that point.
His strike won the Goal of the Season Award at under-18s level. Thwaites actually doubled up in 2023/24, also winning the Goal of the Season at under-16s level in the same campaign.
He signed his official scholarship deal with United in July 2024, as part of a cohort along with Bendito Mantato, Amir Ibragimov and Godwill Kukonki.
Thwaites’ journey so far
Thwaites has continued to be a standout at academy level, turning 18 in December 2025.
Among his standout moments, a winner in a 4-3 win over Sunderland in 2024 on Chido Obi’s academy debut, with a solo goal scored from outside the box.
Thwaites trained with Manchester United’s first team in November 2024, and has continued to mix in and out of the first team group.
In the 2024/25 season, Thwaites scored nine goals from midfield and also provided five assists.
His set piece mastery was a factor behind these numbers, with the midfield prospect scoring direct free-kicks and providing assists from corners.
He travelled on United’s post-season tour of Asia in 2024/25, and featured as a substitute against the ASEAN All-Stars.
His defensive work rate in tracking back to deny a goal was praised by MUTV pundit Ben Thornley, who said: “What a tackle that is. He slides in brilliant, brilliant from Jim Thwaites. That is not easy to do, and it will leave a mark [on the manager].”
Ruben Amorim praised his contribution speaking afterwards, saying that he believed Thwaites has the ability to make it at United.
“I think Jimmy [Thwaites], in the last 15 minutes, as a midfielder, he wants to play. It doesn’t matter how many minutes. These kinds of young kids are really important. They will have space in our team.”
Thwaites began the 2025/26 season scoring a free-kick against City, and his most recent effort means he has one against them home and away this season. Comparisons to David Beckham have inevitably followed.
He has continued to train with the first team, and was also on target this campaign as United’s under-18s side thrashed Liverpool 7-0.
What happened to the Man Utd 2022 FA Youth Cup winning team? 🏆
Who did you have the highest hopes for?
Speaking in an interview earlier this season, Andy Mitten namechecked Thwaites as a player creating excitement in the Red Devils’ academy.
“Jimmy Thwaites and Bendito (Mantato), these are extremely highly rated,” he told the Talk of the Devils podcast.
Now with Michael Carrick as first team head coach, Thwaites has the perfect mentor to help coach him to the next level. His ability on the ball and work ethic out of possession make him an extremely interesting candidate to make the step up.
Thwaites has played almost exclusively at under-18s level so far, with more than 50 appearances and only 11 for the under-21s. United may want to get him more experience with the 21s, or could just choose to bypass that altogether.
The top priority in the transfer market in 2026 is to strengthen the midfield, but amid the millions likely to be spent, United must also keep the path open for Thwaites to progress and make his mark.
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