Jim Thwaites starred for Manchester United U18 in the Premier League Cup final defeat, running the show from midfield.
It was yet another performance that proved Jim Thwaites‘ ability to step up for Manchester United, despite ultimately being beaten.
United were defeated on penalties in the cup final, with Thwaites scoring his spot kick, smashing it down the middle.
It was an all-around stellar display for Thwaites, with one quality he showcased worth £10m alone, according to previous comments from Sir Alex Ferguson.
WHO was Man United’s man of the match in Premier League Cup final defeat?
A painful loss on penalties…
Jim Thwaites’ set pieces are worth millions to Manchester United already
As good a player as Thwaites is, his set-pieces stand out as his greatest single strength. Whether it be corners, indirect free-kicks, or direct free-kicks, his ability is second to none.
The ability to deliver a deadball into the perfect location is in itself a really valuable asset, something Sir Alex Ferguson believed was worth £10m alone in 2011.
“We just couldn’t handle Charlie Adam’s free-kicks and corners”, Ferguson explained after playing Blackpool in 2011 and being wowed by Adam’s set-piece ability.
“We were all over the place. His corner kicks are worth £10million in themselves. The boy is an incredible striker of the ball.”
£10m in 2010 is more like £15.7m today with inflation, and Thwaites being such an incredible striker of the ball means he is already worth at least that to United.
Thwaites’ set-piece ability has earned David Beckham comparisons, and United need to start making use of this.
Michael Carrick should elevate Thwaites for his set-pieces, as his balls into the box will easily be transferable to professional football, especially this season, given the importance of set-pieces.
Which player does Jim Thwaites remind you of?
Do you think he will make it in the first team at Man Utd?
How Thwaites fared in Premier League Cup final
Wednesday night saw Thwaites back in action for the U18s, and he was once again a cut above the level.
This followed Thwaites being in the first-team squad vs Chelsea, as he was taken for the experience, which he appeared to really enjoy.
But back in the starting line-up for Darren Fletcher’s side, Thwaites showed why he is being geared up for a role under Carrick, either at the end of this season or next.
Quality passing, aggressive without the ball, and complete calmness on the ball are all qualities that Thwaites has in abundance.
Thwaites makes U18 football look easy, and he should skip the U21s and be a first-teamer next season because he isn’t being challenged right now.
Carrick already seems to be preparing for this, though. Don’t be shocked if he even debuts this season.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
