Manchester United have now secured Champions League qualification, and that means Michael Carrick can rest and rotate his squad in the final three games.
The dramatic 3-2 win over Liverpool over the weekend was enough to guarantee that Champions League football will return to Old Trafford in 2026/27.
Michael Carrick has led a brilliant resurgence in form, and there are still three games remaining in the Premier League for United to fight for a third-place finish.
However, with the pressure now off, Carrick also has a chance to give minutes to academy players who could play a big role next season.
What are your expectations for Shea Lacey next season?
If he can stay fit surely he gets plenty of minutes…🤔
Shea Lacey
Shea Lacey impressed on his debut this season and enjoyed some exciting cameos off the bench.
Under Darren Fletcher, Lacey starred against Burnley in a six-minute cameo, but his breakthrough season stalled when Lacey was sent off against Brighton controversially.
Shea Lacey is yet to return to first-team action since his unfortunate red card, but he could be in line for minutes in the final three matches.
Jim Thwaites
It is no secret that United are rebuilding their midfield this summer. Several signings are expected but the expectation is also for one midfield academy star to be promoted to the first team.
It looks as though Jim Thwaites could be in contention for that promotion given his superb form in the academy this season.
Thwaites has been compared to David Beckham because of his free-kick ability, and Carrick included the 18-year-old in a matchday squad recently to give him first-team experience.
The next step is for Thwaites to make his debut, and it could come before the end of the season.
Which player does Jim Thwaites remind you of?
Do you think he will make it in the first team at Man Utd?
Chido Obi
Last season, Ruben Amorim gave Chido Obi his debut after he signed from Arsenal and starred in the academy.
There is huge excitement around Obi’s potential, but it was clear last season that he wasn’t quite ready for senior football.
READ MORE: Man Utd have a Chido Obi problem and it’s because he did what the club asked of him
This season, Chido Obi has scored 18 goals. Of those, 13 were for the Under-21s and five came playing for the Under-18s.
United are in the market for a new striker, but Carrick has the opportunity to re-trial Obi in the first team before the summer window even opens.
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