Jim Thwaites is the breakout wonderkid this year in the U18s, and he has now responded to a prediction made by Ruben Amorim.
Despite getting a reputation for holding the youth back at Man Utd, Ruben Amorim was actually the one who singled out Jim Thwaites.
It happened on the post-season tour last campaign, and Thwaites has proven those lofty comparisons correct with his form this season.
As he transitions to senior team training, he has now shared which players helped him the most while responding to Amorim’s praise.
Which player does Jim Thwaites remind you of?
Do you think he will make it in the first team at Man Utd?
Jim Thwaites on Ruben Amorim
Thwaites never received a debut under Amorim, but for the Portuguese to single him out by name is a huge endorsement.
Amorim always believed in keeping the kids grounded, so he must have seen something really special in Thwaites to say he’ll always have a place in his team.
Nearly a year on from that praise, Thwaites has responded with his words, because his form had been vindicating Amorim all this time.
Thwaites said: “I saw it after the game. Obviously I was just trying to make a good impression, because it was my first time heading away with the first team, but it was really good to hear that sort of feedback from the coach.”
Since then, Thwaites has gone from strength to strength in the academy, recently earning Carrick’s praise as well when he was called up to the first-team squad vs Chelsea.
Thwaites helped by Fernandes and Martinez
For a youngster getting to grips with senior football, it’s important that he is welcomed and challenged in equal parts by the senior players.
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Bruno Fernandes is famous for helping youngsters in this manner, and he was no different with Thwaites, but another player helped him as well.
Thwaites said Lisandro Martinez was a big help when he walked into the senior training, and both made his acclimatisation process much easier.
He said: “The ones that stand out for me are Bruno [Fernandes] and [Lisandro] Martinez, who is really good. They are the two main ones, I would say, but as a whole, they’re really good with the lads.”
Thwaites already looks to have outgrown U18s football, and his playing style should translate better to senior football.
The pre-season next campaign will be crucial to his prospects, and time spent with the senior team this season will help him get up and running.
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