Ruud Van Nistelrooy stacked the bench with academy talents on Wednesday night as Manchester United beat Leicester City 5-2, but for one talent it is Ruben Amorim who he is likely to shine under.
Manchester United is often associated with the phrase youth, courage and success. Something which has played a massive role in the history of the club.
From the Busby Babes to Sir Alex Ferguson’s Class of ’92, promoting from the academy to first team is something that runs in the blood of this football club.
For all his faults, Erik ten Hag also abided by the famous motto – something that earned him great credit within the fanbase and with Ineos likely kept him in his job for longer than he should have been.
Ten Hag’s greatest legacy at Old Trafford is that he established both Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho in the senior team at United.
In game one of his interim spell, Ruud van Nistelrooy also showed a willingness to use youth, with three players on the bench against Leicester who are yet to debut.
Ruud van Nistelrooy introduces Jayce Fitzgerald to the Old Trafford crowd
Wednesday night saw the beginning of a new era for Manchester United, with Van Nistelrooy leading the club on an interim basis into this new era which will be defined by the imminent arrival of Ruben Amorim.
Van Nistelrooy managed United to a 5-2 victory over the Foxes in the Carabao Cup fourth round, setting up a quarter-final date against Tottenham Hotspur – and academy graduate Garnacho was at the centre of everything good.
However, on the bench was where the academy got its full representation as Van Nistelrooy had Harry Amass, Jack Fletcher and Jayce Fitzgerald all on the bench – with it being Fitzgerald’s first time.
None of the trio were afforded any minutes but for Fitzgerald and Fletcher in particular it is a new and no doubt incredible experience to be with the first team.
To be included on the bench shows the club rate him highly – and Van Nistelrooy must have had his eye caught by Fitzgerald in training.
Ruben Amorim will find the future of his Manchester United midfield at Carrington
The midfield at Manchester United is going to need a rebuild at some time in the next few transfer windows with Casemiro and Christian Eriksen both ageing.
That being said the rebuild should not require a spending spree, with some excellent midfield talents already at the club – who could fit the bill.
- Dan Gore
- Jacob Devaney
- Jayce Fitzgerald
- Jim Thwaites
- Sekou Kone
- READ: Everything you need to know about Jayce Fitzgerald: age, position, and Sergio Busquets similarities
Fitzgerald is a Sergio Busquets-like talent, as he often completely dictates play and this quality bodes well for his chances – additionally, Amorim is renowned for using youth.
Like many modern coaches, Amorim values players who thrive on the ball and therefore in a bid to stock his midfield full of these players – Fitzgerald stands an excellent chance.
If we had to predict, we can see Fitzgerald being used in an early round FA Cup game this season – alternatively, he could impress during Tour 2025.
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