Jack Kingdon sends message after making Manchester United under-18s debut

Add as preferred source on Google

Before Manchester United announced plans to rip up football as we know it, there was an academy match played at the weekend.

For one young player, United’s under-18s match was a big career moment.

Step forward young centre-back Jack Kingdon.

Kingdon signed for United last November, agreeing a move from Morecambe.

Kingdon was called up from the under-16s to start for United’s under-18s team against Newcastle at the weekend. This was his first ever appearances for the 18s.

United fell to a 3-2 loss in the fixture, a disappointing way for Kingdon to mark his debut, but it was encouraging simply to be there.

There were a few factors behind Kingdon’s debut, including injuries to under-18 defenders including Willy Kambwala, who has been out since making his debut last year.

One factor was that the coaching staff trusted the young talent to be able to step up, and Kingdon could become a regular at this level next season. He sent a message out expressing his happiness at being involved.

Kingdon actually previously played under-18s football for Morecambe so he was prepared for the step up.

He is a player to watch for the future even if the first team seems three or four years away.

And in the current climate of Super League proposals, who knows what the first team picture will look like in a few years time.

All Kingdon et al can do for now is keep on working hard in the academy and wait for a chance to present itself, like it did at the weekend.

• Ousmane Diomande deal is a transfer lesson to Man Utd after signing Andrey Santos and Tielemans
• Why Warren Zaire-Emery is Man United’s ‘dream’ third midfield signing, top 1% passing stat proves it
• Man Utd fan groups condemn ‘premature’ season ticket bans in joint statement
• Man Utd’s history of Norwegian players ahead of Rosenborg friendly
• Youri Tielemans has explained why he’s set to replicate success of Mbeumo and Cunha at Man Utd
• Lisandro Martinez sends first message after injury and World Cup final loss, De Gea responds
• Rio Ferdinand’s game-changing transfer to Man Utd revisited
• Who is Dante Plunkett? Man Utd youngster earns call-up for 2026 CONCACAF U20 Championship
• Alex Scott will achieve a childhood dream if he signs for Man United this summer
• Marcus Rashford cannot be Man United’s No.9, fans have seen that experiment fail already