Manchester United's academy teams have made pleasing starts to the new season. The Under-21s entered the September international break third in Premier League 2, having won all three of their matches, while the two teams above, Southampton and Tottenham, have played one more match. The Under-18s are third in the Premier League North table, six points adrift of leaders Manchester City. Newcastle are second, but United beat the Magpies just before the international break.
Kamason injury update
Jaydan Kamason was absent from the U21 squad against Brentford for their final game before the international break due to a small injury. Sources described Kamason's absence as precautionary. It's understood the issue is only a small niggle, meaning the defender is expected to be back in action in a couple of weeks.
When Kamason returns, he is hoping for a clear run-up until the January transfer window with the hope of leaving on loan. United received loan interest from Championship clubs over summer, but it was decided Kamason should stay with the academy for the first half of the season. That decision was made to give Kamason a guarantee of minutes, and he looked really sharp before picking up the small injury, recording an assist in games against Ipswich Town and Leicester.
Lacey's kind gesture
Shea Lacey is an exciting prospect, as highlighted by his goal against Brighton in the Carabao Cup, but he's also a good egg. Lacey once made a young fan's day by gifting his boots at Carrington and he made another kind gesture after the 1-1 draw against Fulham last weekend, when he handed over his shirt to a young supporter.
Hanson, a young United fan, attended the Fulham game with his father. The pair briefly spoke to Lacey outside the team's hotel and showed him the sign Hanson had created, reading: "Shea, can I have your shirt please." Lacey promised that if he spotted the pair, he would hand his shirt to Hanson, and he kept his word after the final whistle.
Ibragimov on fire
Amir Ibragimov made his senior debut for Russia over the summer, which was a big milestone, but he was left out of their expanded squad for matches against Iran, Namibia and Nigeria during this international break. Sources close to the player said he was staying in Manchester to focus on United.
However, not joining up with Russia also gives the player more time, as FIFA allows players who have played up to three senior international caps prior to the age of 21 to switch nations. Ibragimov made two caps for Russia earlier this year, becoming the third-youngest player for his nation. The 18-year-old has been in terrific form this term, scoring two goals and contributing two assists in four games. The U21s won 3-2 against Brentford before the break, but they were trailing in the game until Ibragimov equalised with a smart finish from the edge of the box.
While it's understood Ibragimov sees his long-term future in the No.10 role, he has been played as a false nine this season. "He learned a lot from going on international duty over the summer," said U21 boss Adam Lawrence recently. "He came back with a couple of things in terms of the intensity of the game at that level and some of the details around his game he really wanted to focus on. If I look at his levels from the start of the season in terms of the qualities he's showing, recognising when to drop in, when to run in behind and being a goal threat, he's in a good space."
International call-ups
United have several youngsters who have been called up to international duty this month, and it's been great to see so many included in the England Under-20 and Under-19 squads. Harry Amass, Ayden Heaven, Jack Fletcher, Jim Thwaites and Lacey were called up to the U20 side, meaning United will have strong representation in that age group, while Albert Mills, Bendito Mantato and Tynan Thompson are all part of the Three Lions' U19s squad for the break.
Thwaites' call up was particularly interesting, as it represents the first time he's played with one of England's youth teams. The midfielder is a big talent, so it's about time he was given a chance on international duty.
