Manchester United’s first pre-season game is set to throw out an intriguing conundrum.
It is now just one week until Manchester United’s first pre-season game in Finland against Wrexham.
Some positions for the fixture pick themselves, with Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko likely to start in attack, while we can expect Luke Shaw to start at left-back.
The options at right-back are less certain; Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are still away due to their World Cup exploits.
United’s academy will fill the void, which leaves us asking, who will step up?
Here are four options who could get an opportunity to show what they can do and stake a first team claim…
What do YOU think of Manchester United’s pre-season schedule for 2026?
Habeeb Ogunneye
Habeeb Ogunneye is the oldest of Manchester United’s quartet of academy right-backs, at 20 years-old.
Ogunneye is also the only one who has played competitive first team football, during a loan spell with Newport County, in which he played 21 games.
He is yet to feature in the United first team, although he was named on the bench by former manager Erik ten Hag.
Due to his age and the younger competition, pre-season could be Ogunneye’s last chance to stake a claim for himself at United.
Jaydan Kamason
Jaydan Kamason has caught the eye over the past two seasons with his performances for Manchester United’s under-18s and 21s.
Kamason has racked up 80 appearances for United’s academy teams, and he will feel that he warrants an opportunity to show what he can do.
The marauding full-back loves to attack, scoring nine goals and providing 12 assists in the academy. Now 19, he will feel that this could be make-or-break time.
Which youngster are you MOST excited to watch during pre-season?
With the World Cup this summer, pre-season will have plenty of academy involvement🔮
James Overy
James Overy is entering his second season at Manchester United after signing with the academy one year ago.
During this time, Overy has received a senior call-up to the Australia international squad, although did not make the World Cup selection.
Just 18, the young right-back made an impression in the FA Youth Cup semi-final where he came off the bench to provide a match-winning assist for Chido Obi’s winner.
Yuel Helafu
The youngest of the four, Yuel Helafu is a name to watch after a superb season for Manchester United’s academy sides in 2025/26.
Helafu, 17, was a regular starter for the under-18s last season, and he got a chance to work with Michael Carrick’s squad during the season.
The teenager joined United’s senior stars during their late-season training camp in Ireland, and this could give him a head start to claim the pre-season minutes.
Helafu’s defensive qualities and his composure on the ball have made him a standout talent, and he will benefit from being involved over the next few weeks, whether he plays or not.
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