Manchester United’s academy has an established history of producing talented young players, and there has been a lot of debate over Ruben Amorim’s use of the raw talent at his disposal.
It’s no secret that traditionalists among Manchester United’s fanbase want to see talent produced from the youth teams to Ruben Amorim’s squad and eventually become stars.
That is why Amorim had been under pressure for overlooking Kobbie Mainoo in midfield since the beginning of the season. Mainoo’s case is not helped by the fact that he has sustained an injury at a time when the United head coach is in dire need of options in midfield.
However, in that time, Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey had both been called up to make their United first-team debuts, as well as Bendito Mantato, who became the latest.
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It only begs the question of who is in line to graduate from the United Academy in 2026, with a long list of prospects trying to edge their way into Amorim’s plans.
Here are five players who could make their debuts for United in the New Year.
Jacob Devaney
As a midfielder who has regularly trained with Amorim’s first team, Jacob Devaney is an option Amorim may call upon if the midfield injury crisis worsens. That’s why these young players must take their opportunities when they arise, but they are not always guaranteed.
Devaney has been at United’s academy since the age of six and represents the Republic of Ireland at the youth level, gaining additional experience on the international stage. The hard-working midfielder could be rewarded with a first-team debut in 2026 if he kicks on.
Sekou Kone
When Sekou Kone joined United in 2024, it was an addition made by Ineos to strengthen the academy with budding talent. The youngster has had injury setbacks in the academy and may be sent on loan.
After recent strong displays with the U21s, Kone is 19 years old and will be aiming to make 2026 his breakthrough year, whether that is at Old Trafford or elsewhere. It will be crucial that he stays fit, or else the opportunities will pass him by.
Diego Leon
The Paraguayan left-wing back had a huge 2025.
Diego Leon made his senior debut for Paraguay following a summer transfer to United from Cerro Porteno.
In 2026, the 18-year-old can go one step further by making his debut for United. Amorim will be keeping a close eye on Leon between now and the end of the season, and he is bound to go on pre-season before the 2026/27 season.
Leon is unfortunate because he may have made his debut under Amorim by now had United avoided elimination in the Carabao Cup second round, losing on penalties to Grimsby Town.
Tyler Fletcher
Considering his twin, Jack, became one of the latest youth team graduates, coming off the bench in United’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa, Tyler Fletcher must be in the pipeline for a cameo after being named on the bench in recent matches.
It would be fantastic if United could boast that Darren Fletcher’s twin sons made their debuts in the same season. They’re two talented players who are clearly highly rated by Amorim.
JJ Gabriel
It’s safe to say JJ Gabriel is the wildcard option here at the age of 15, but defenders would be foolish to underestimate this highly-rated forward who is attracting a lot of excitement at Carrington.
Gabriel will be eligible for the Premier League from next season, but he can play in the FA Cup, which starts later this month when Brighton visit Old Trafford in the third round.
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Amorim will be mindful of when it is best to unleash a prospect like Gabriel, with fears that Chido Obi was pushed into the first team too soon due to the lack of striker options last season.
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