Manchester United have the hottest academy in the country right now, with two wonderkid names now being eyed up for a summer loan.
The academy is on fire right now and the U18 side is fresh off the Premier League Cup final victory on Tuesday which saw silverware gained.
Manchester United have always used the youth throughout the club’s storied history, and right now is no different.
With so many superb talents coming through, it’s encouraging to see Jason Wilcox taking a keen interest in the academy, as he watched the win last night.
But with such talents, it might be best served to consider loan moves for some of the top prospects who may not be guaranteed a first-team opportunity.
Two Manchester United youngsters tipped for summer loan
Given how excellent some of the United wonderkids have been this season, it’s little surprise to hear that there is interest from Championship clubs who want them on loan.
According to journalist Steve Bates who wrote for GiveMeSport, there is some real loan interest in two academy players in particular.
The first of these is PL Cup final hero, Ethan Wheatley as he’s caught some attention with his 20 goals and five assists this campaign.
| Goals under-18s | Assists under-18s | Goals under-21s | Assists under-21s | Total Goals | Total Assists | Total Goal contributions | |
| Ethan Wheatley 2023/24 | 18 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 23 | 5 | 28 |
It would be interesting to see the 18-year-old striker head out on loan, as clearly, youth football has gotten a little too straightforward for him but maybe he is likely not ready for Premier League football.
The second name to be linked with a summer loan in the report is talented left-back Harry Amass.
Most fans are 99% sure that Amass is destined to be the next long-term left-back at the club, but if this isn’t going to happen next season, he should head on loan.
These are two of the best that United’s academy has to offer right now, and they are both ready for senior football, but the step up to the United level would be tricky.
That being said, Amass in particular is a player we wouldn’t be surprised to see play a proper role next season, with Erik ten Hag keen on the 2023 summer signing.
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The U18 group has such quality that it’s little surprise several are already featuring on the bench and in first-team training.
Amass is the one who seems most ready to make his debut, which is why a loan could end up looking silly considering the injury woes we’ve seen at left-back this season.
So it probably depends on whether we sign a new left-back or not, cause if not, Amass could end up a starter next season, a role he might be ready for.
Shea Lacey has also been tipped for his debut to come this season. A talent like Lacey could easily blow management away and get himself firmly in the club’s plans for next season too.
Wheatley we think will need a loan however, with a new striker being looked at and also Rasmus Hojlund ahead of him.
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