Manchester United youngster Jacob Devaney has declared his intent to try and push on next season.
Not all of the loan deals Manchester United agreed mid-season worked out. Harry Amass suffered an early injury at Norwich City and did not play.
Ethan Wheatley and Gabriele Biancheri failed to make an impact at Bradford City and Rotherham.
By contrast, Jacob Devaney’s move to St Mirren has been a big success.
Jacob Devaney scored on his debut for the Scottish Premiership side and has been a regular starter, playing 14 games including a Cup semi-final against Celtic that went to extra-time.
While the Scottish season is yet to complete, Devaney has an eye on Manchester United next season.
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Jacob Devaney eyes pre-season breakout
Manchester United need central midfielders, and Jacob Devaney wants to step into the void.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Devaney spoke with confidence and ambition about the challenge and opportunity that lies ahead.
He said: “Those games in pre-season would definitely be something I would like to take part in.
“I feel I’m at a stage now where I do want to keep playing men’s football because I feel I’ve proved I can do it.
“I believe that I can play for Man United. It’s something I’ve worked at from being knee-high, when I first started kicking a ball.”
Opportunities could come early for midfielders in pre-season.
Kobbie Mainoo will be at the World Cup with England, and Manuel Ugarte with Uruguay. They will be the only two senior midfielders in the squad, with Casemiro departing.
United will make additions, but whether they are available for pre-season depends on their World Cup involvement, and the speed of the deals.
That is likely to leave Devaney competing with other academy talents like the Fletcher twins, Dan Gore, Sekou Kone and others, to try and make an impact.
The experience of the loan spell at St Mirren positions Devaney well to get some game time to try and impress.
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Devaney has risen to every challenge
Jacob Devaney has risen to every challenge at Manchester United in his career to date.
He was a regular in the under-18s title win in 2023/24, and went on to captain the under-21s this season before heading out on loan.
United have been pleased with Devaney’s performances on loan for St Mirren. The 18-year-old is highly thought of at Carrington, and he is not resting on his laurels.
The loan stint has given Devaney confidence, and we hope he gets the chance to show what he is capable of in a Manchester United shirt.
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