Manchester United have turned away from a move for Elliot Anderson in recent days, but Michael Carrick can actually create his own version in Jacob Devaney.
In recent days, Manchester United have walked away from Elliot Anderson as Manchester City saw a £121m bid rejected, which is far beyond an acceptable fee for Ineos to even consider.
Anderson is good, but he isn’t worth anywhere near that when compared with the alternatives United could sign for much cheaper.
Kobbie Mainoo is United’s marquee midfielder and better than Anderson, which makes it so hard to justify £121m and massive wages on a player who isn’t as good.
His profile could also be replicated by Carrick with Jacob Devaney.
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Jacob Devaney has the tools to mimic Elliot Anderson’s rise
While Anderson had a sublime season and is one of the best in the Premier League, what he brings can be found for a lot cheaper than £121m+.
Potentially even for free if United can handle the development of Devaney correctly over the next few years.
At only 19, Devaney had a special loan in Scotland for St Mirren in which he stepped up pretty fluidly from academy football to a professional level.
During the loan move, Devaney proved he has the markings of a United player, and he is only going to get better.
Already, Devaney is an intense runner like Anderson, while also being a physical midfielder, press-resistant, strong passer, and ball carrier.
He is a leader on the pitch and has the engine and legs to cover ground in a really effective manner.
Assuming he can continue to replicate this development, by the time he is Anderson’s age, Devaney could absolutely be pushing for those levels.
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🔮
What is the next step for Devaney’s Manchester United rise?
It is understood that United are planning to give Devaney pre-season chances to catch the eye under Carrick.
United won’t have many senior options on tour, and so it will be a chance for the likes of Devaney to really stake a claim.
He will want to play himself into a role at United next season; however, pre-season could also be a platform to earn a big loan move next season, which might be better for his development.
Minutes at United may be few and far between, but a loan at the top end of the Championship or at another Scottish side, such as Celtic, would probably be more beneficial.
At 19, Anderson was on loan at Bristol Rovers, showing Devaney has every chance of pushing on to be a star in the mould of Anderson.
He has a big future at United, but the club has to handle him correctly
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