Jacob Devaney was among the Manchester United youngsters to impress during the second half against Wrexham, despite playing out of position.
I have long been adamant that Jacob Devaney is one of the finest talents that Manchester United currently has emerging through the academy ranks, and his opportunity finally came to show this against Wrexham.
Devaney was among the substitutes at half-time in United’s 1-0 defeat to Wrexham in Helsinki, but with the midfield roles all occupied, the Irish U21 captain was deployed at centre-back alongside Dan Armer.
Up against the very experienced Kieffer Moore, Devaney didn’t put a foot wrong, and in doing so, I believe that he has now made his case to become a permanent member of Carrick’s squad this season.
What did you think of Jacob Devaney’s performance vs Wrexham?
Can you see Michael Carrick giving him a serious chance this season?
Jacob Devaney proved he is ready to play for Manchester United
Often, when it comes to academy breakouts, you are able to tell immediately which players have the ‘it’ factor, and Devaney absolutely does.
Even in an unnatural position, Devaney was superb.
Taking the ball deep, Devaney was starting moves for United, passing with pace down the flank or into the midfield, with frightening 100% accuracy with 65 passes.
- 66 touches
- 65/65 passes completed (100%)
- 2 recoveries
He didn’t have much to do defensively, but on the ball, he was brilliant, almost in a Lisandro Martinez role as the more progressive defender, making things happen with his passing.
Ahead of pre-season, I wanted Devaney to get his chance, and despite it not coming in ideal circumstances, it feels as though he has shown Michael Carrick, fans, and the coaching staff exactly why he is so highly regarded.
Going forward, I would hope Devaney finds himself back in his more favoured midfield berth, but starring at centre-back is far from a negative. Thriving in a somewhat uncomfortable and unnatural situation will only aid Devaney in his efforts to make these appearances a frequent thing.
Carrick will see this and know now that he doesn’t have to wait for the ideal moment to give Devaney a chance; Carrick can plug him into several positions, and he won’t let him down. Devaney can be a square peg in a round hole for United, but make it work, and by doing this, he will be loved by Carrick.
Not that he should be used out of position forever, but it is an excellent way for him to earn Carrick’s trust on his way to being a regular first-teamer.
Making himself indispensable to Carrick is one way to put himself in line for regular first-team opportunities.
Tyler Fletcher captained United’s XI in the second half vs Wrexham – Which young players caught your eye?
Who really impressed you?
Michael Carrick was very impressed by Devaney
I have long been a fan of Devaney’s game, believing he had the qualities, versatility, and mentality to make it at United.
Speaking to MUTV after the game, Carrick’s comments suggest that he might agree.
“JD playing centre-half, it’s not natural to him, he’s played there a little bit, but not a lot, and I thought he did, did ever so well.
“He had a really successful few months up there [on loan in Scotland], and it was good to see him kind of take that next step.
“And you could see today the confidence and the assurance in his game, even though he was playing a slightly different position.
“He was vocal, he was commanding and, yeah, I liked a lot of what he did there.”
Carrick played as an emergency centre-back a handful of times during his career, and so he is sure to appreciate Devaney’s efforts.
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