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Man Utd’s homegrown Diogo Dalot successor is ready to debut under Michael Carrick

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Champions League football qualification has been secured by Manchester United, meaning Michael Carrick can afford to hand out a few debuts.

With Manchester United’s win over Liverpool last weekend, a spot in the Champions League next season is now confirmed for the Red Devils.

Michael Carrick has accomplished this with three games to spare, as United are also six points above fourth and fifth.

Due to the comfortable position and the opposition also likely being ‘on the beach’, it would be the perfect time for United to use some youth.

Among them is a possible successor to Diogo Dalot at right-back.

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Crystal Palace U21 v Manchester United U21: Premier League 2 Play-Off Quarter Final
Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images
Crystal Palace U21 v Manchester United U21: Premier League 2 Play-Off Quarter Final
Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images

Jaydan Kamason should get Manchester United debut this season

The only thing United are left playing for is third – one win should do it – and the Bruno Fernandes assist record. But neither should stop Carrick from giving opportunities to the top performers from Carrington.

One of the most deserving of this opportunity outside of the names frequently suggested is Jaydan Kamason, with the right-back more than good enough for a chance.

Injuries are the only reason the 19-year-old hasn’t been involved in senior football yet, because when he plays for the U21s, he always looks so comfortable.

During United U21’s win over Crystal Palace on Monday, Kamason started at right-back and handled the physicality perfectly while also looking ever so comfortable on the ball.

In April, United handed Kamason a new contract, which demonstrates how he is rated within the club. Making it even more important that he gets a chance.

Dalot has played a lot of football this season and been very good since January, but in pre-season United will need Kamason to step up due to the World Cup.

So what could be the harm in the young defender getting a chance in the next few games?

Kamason is at a point where he looks above U21 football, so the logical step is to test him with the first-team especially when the stakes are as low as they are in the next couple of games.

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Godwill Kukonki of Manchester United during the FA Youth Cup fourth round match between Manchester United and Derby County at Old Trafford on January 23, 2026
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images

Kamason is United’s Diogo Dalot successor

While unproven to date, the qualities that Kamason possesses prove that he is more than capable of playing senior football at the highest level.

Kamason is strong offensively and defensively, while having the physical demands that Premier League football would ask of him.

Dalot could eventually be replaced by Kamason, and Carrick can start that process by playing him in the final few weeks of the season.

Last season, Ruben Amorim flirted with the idea of debuting Kamason as he named him in four Europa League squads, so Carrick should now take the next step.

A couple of appearances this season would see him arrive at pre-season a lot more confident and potentially leave United not needing a right-back for the foreseeable.

If he’s not considered ready to contribute, then a loan can be decided. But he is ready for his chance.