Manchester United’s planned midfield overhaul in 2026 could be made so much easier for Ineos considering the midfield academy talent currently in the ranks.
While Ineos’ pursuit of Elliot Anderson will take all the attention, there is the chance Manchester United can save millions by looking towards the academy as the second and third additions to the midfield this summer.
The academy is why United don’t need to sign a handful of top midfielders, as chances suggest the Red Devils have a couple of talents who will be good enough.
Both Brian Nyoni and Bassirou Nkoto could be on this list in the future, but they’ll need to prove it at higher age groups before being considered. So, here are the 10 talented midfielders who United need to be considering while planning the future of the position.
Jack Fletcher
Jack Fletcher has had an up and down season for United so far, going from academy debutant and then back into the academy.
Ruben Amorim set Fletcher up to fail, but he still has so much potential and don’t be surprised if he’s back this season potentially getting minutes in his more natural position.
Definitely don’t write him off.
Tyler Fletcher
Some will be surprised by Tyler Fletcher being the twin currently higher in the pecking order, as he made his debut against Spurs.
Fletcher got lots of support after his cameo which demonstrated how highly rated he is within the ranks right now.
His outing was brief, but the signs were positive and we are sure he will play a lot during the remainder of this season.
Jim Thwaites
Arguably the player most ready to make an impact for United at senior level is Jim Thwaites, with the 18-year-old unmatched right now and a completely unique profile of midfielder.
Thwaites has already caught Michael Carrick’s eye, according to reports, with his ability on the ball simply sensational.
Which player does Jim Thwaites remind you of?
Do you think he will make it in the first team at Man Utd?
He returned from injury with a great performance against City U18s, but we can envision he will soon be on the fast-track and absolutely needs to be considered in the midfield plans as soon as this season.
Jack Moorhouse
This season has been one of learning for Jack Moorhouse with an unsuccessful loan at Leyton Orient seeing him return to United in January.
Moorhouse shone for the U21s earlier this month making it clear he’s a level above academy football in terms of his sharpness and physicality.
While not a top contender, Moorhouse has the potential and ability to become an option for United in midfield.
Sekou Kone
Sekou Kone was Ineos’ first unknown youth signing as he arrived from Mali in 2024 and since then it has been a gradual development hindered by injury.
His height came last summer in the post-season tour, and now Kone is struggling on loan at Lausanne, potentially just adapting given he has played very little professional football.
Kone has the ability to be a midfielder for United, and he could be a late-bloomer, definitely worth Ineos keeping him in the plans.
Which Manchester United academy midfielder should be in the first-team next season?
Who is the biggest talent right now?
Jacob Devaney
Jacob Devaney has set about proving himself this year and thus far is passing with flying colours, making a point that he should be considered a top tier talent.
Devaney has been an immediate hit for St Mirren, catching the eye despite being thrown in at the deep end.
Over the past few years, Devaney has been one of the most consistent performers in the academy, so it is excellent to see him getting his flowers and he is well suited to men’s football.
Jayce Fitzgerald
Often forgotten about given his injury troubles, Jayce Fitzgerald remains one of the best midfield talents in the academy.
Fitzgerald has been dazzling this season in midfield, almost fashioning himself as the second-coming of Michael Carrick.
The 18-year-old should have went on loan this season, but while hindered by injury in recent years, his development has been impressive and he’s only getting better.
Rafe McCormack
Probably the freshest option on this list, Rafe McCormack, has burst onto the scene this season for the U18s and U21s.
Probably the most natural number six in the academy right now, McCormack does the simple things so well, winning the ball back and progressing play to his teammates.
McCormack alongside Thwaites or Kobbie Mainoo feels like a real potential duo in the coming years. Big talent.
Jay McEvoy
Like McCormack, Jay McEvoy has only really emerged as a serious first-team hopeful this season as he has filled in for the injured Thwaites excellently in midfield.
McEvoy has earned comparisons to Roy Keane, being an Irish youngster, and his ability to control games has impressed massively.
Despite his evident quality, McEvoy likely falls in as one of the lowest ranking options right now. However this might now be the case for long.
Cristian Orozco
The final name on our list right now is Colombian wonderkid Cristian Orozco, who hasn’t even arrived at the club yet.
Orozco is now playing for Fortaleza’s senior side which is excellent for United as it will boost his development ahead of the summer move to Old Trafford.
Orozco will take time to settle into life at United, but he is a massive talent and worth considering ahead of his arrival.
In conclusion, United should believe at least two or three of these ten will live up to their potential and become first team players.
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