Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick will hand opportunities to several academy prospects during the club's pre-season friendlies over the next few weeks. With the World Cup reducing first-team availability, a host of young talents are set to feature prominently.
Shea Lacey: High Hopes for Attacking Midfielder
Shea Lacey has long been considered one of the top talents in his age group nationwide. He trained daily with the first team in the second half of last season and is viewed as a senior player by staff, who believe he can contribute to the squad next term. Lacey made his senior debut against Aston Villa in December and went on to make two positive appearances during Darren Fletcher's caretaker stint. He earned his fourth senior appearance on the final day of the season against Brighton, with Carrick putting an arm around him on the touchline as he prepared to come on.
Tyler Fletcher: From Under the Radar to World Cup Call-Up
Tyler Fletcher, twin brother of Jack, went under the radar in the academy while fans focused on his sibling, but his progression was recognised when he won the Denzil Haroun Reserve Team Player of the Year award. He made his debut against Tottenham in February and was named in another nine Premier League matchday squads before getting another opportunity on the final day. A late call-up to Scotland's World Cup squad has boosted his confidence ahead of pre-season.
Jack Fletcher: Highly Rated Attacking Midfielder
Jack Fletcher, Tyler's twin, joined from Manchester City's academy three years ago and immediately took part in first-team training sessions. Ruben Amorim handed him three senior appearances in December against Aston Villa, Newcastle, and Wolves, but he hasn't been involved since a match against Sunderland. He will aim to impress Carrick, who knows the family well.
JJ Gabriel: Prolific Goalscorer Ready for Senior Debut
JJ Gabriel scored 23 goals in 23 league appearances for United's U18s last season and helped the team reach the FA Youth Cup final. He won the U18 Player of the Season award and the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year, presented to him on the Old Trafford pitch. United are actively showing him a pathway to the first team. He wasn't old enough to play in the Premier League last season but is expected to make his senior debut soon.
Harry Amass: Left-Back Cover After Loan Spell
Harry Amass impressed on loan at Sheffield Wednesday in the first half of last season but suffered an injury after joining Norwich in January. Now fully fit, he has worked hard to reach peak condition before pre-season. With Luke Shaw unable to play twice a week, Amass could provide capable cover at left-back.
