Manchester United have had several academy players banging on Michael Carrick’s first-team door this summer, but five have stood out clearly as ready for the first-team.
After Manchester United thrashed Rosenborg 5-0 on Friday, the academy players involved have seen their stock rise massively thanks to their performances through two pre-season games so far.
Ahead of a season in which United will hope to play close to 60 games, youth involvement is necessary and likely. With this in mind there are five players who have done enough to earn their place permanently in the squad.
Here are the five who are pushing to break through permanently, ranked from 5 to 1.
Which Manchester United academy star impressed you the most vs Rosenborg?
Shea Lacey, Jacob Devaney, Harry Amass and Ethan Williams all scored, but there were so many impressive performances!
5. Jaydan Kamason
At right-back, Manchester United haven’t had a natural senior option for pre-season. So up stepped Jaydan Kamason and he has been very impressive.
Kamason starred against Rosenborg with two assists to add to his all around solid performances during pre-season which should see him knocking on the door for a proper first team opportunity.
With Noussair Mazraoui a potential sale this summer, Kamason could find himself taking the spot of reserve to Diogo Dalot. He has certainly proven that he is somewhat ready for the step up in the coming months.
Kamason is lower on the list due to less exposure to the first-team. But in the next couple of weeks he might become undeniable.
4. Jacob Devaney
One of the most impressive youngsters this summer so far has been Jacob Devaney, with the midfielder by trade settling into the heart of United’s defence seamlessly to dictate play and even step up with a goal.
Devaney’s versatility and attitude to play wherever Carrick needs him are huge benefits for the Irish U21 captain, as he will be earning the head coach’s trust and showing he can be used across positions.
Devaney has voiced his desire to break through for United and his willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve this. His experiences at St Mirren last season have set him up so well to take that leap under Carrick.
After two pre-season games, Devaney has surely played himself into the proper thinking of Carrick, and it is now quite feasible to think he could be kept around this season to make 15-20 appearances in what will hopefully be a busy season.
One of the players who seems destined to reach lofty heights, hopefully, United can help him find this level in the coming campaign.
3. Dan Gore
Over the past few years, Dan Gore had almost become overlooked due to injury, but after a stunning campaign for Rotherham, he has now been excellent during pre-season for United.
Gore looks like a man with a point to prove this summer, looking every bit a senior player, dominating the midfield for United in his two cameo performances. He has looked mature, not put a foot wrong, and above all else, his technical ability and passing are tremendous.
The 21-year-old has reminded everyone why he was so highly regarded back in 2023 under Erik ten Hag, debuting in the Carabao Cup against Crystal Palace. But if he carries on playing like this, it won’t be long until he notches up another competitive appearance.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Gore has earned a place in Carrick’s first-team plans this summer. He has certainly looked the most ready among them, Toby Collyer and the Fletcher twins.
What is your INSTANT REACTION as Manchester United beat Rosenborg 5-0
Who impressed you most and why?
2. Shea Lacey
In second place for us in the list is Shea Lacey, who is almost guaranteed to be in Carrick’s plans for the upcoming campaign. Lacey scored a great goal against Rosenborg and has looked the part every time he gets the chance with the first-team.
Lacey as the ‘it’ factor that it takes to make it at United, with his explosive dribbling, creativity, goal scoring, and, almost equally important, Lacey works incredibly hard for the badge, which is a dimension to his game that is key.
Already, Lacey looks set to start the season for United as one of the forward options, proven capable on the right wing or in an attacking midfield role. Lacey is ready to step up, and has been for years, with injury concerns appearing to finally be in his rear-view mirror.
The only thing denying Lacey the top spot is that he probably isn’t competing for a starting role this season, whereas number one is.
1. Harry Amass
While not having the same excitement levels as Lacey, the top spot in our list of the five academy players who are ready to break through this summer goes to Harry Amass. The left-back has been sensational this summer for United so far, earning plenty of game time.
Amass now finds himself challenging Luke Shaw for minutes and is in with a serious chance of taking the starting left-back berth for himself. The two left-backs have shared minutes so far, suggesting Carrick is seriously weighing up whether Amass is potentially already ready to start ahead of the experienced Shaw.
As a player, Amass is so similar to a young Shaw and Lewis Hall, which makes him a talent that could be moulded into a really successful left-back. He has already shown signs, and now United just needs to continue integrating him and give the teenager plenty of game time in the next year.
United do, however, need to lock Amass down to a new deal as soon as possible. But he feels almost certain to have a breakout 2026/27 campaign.
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