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The summer off-season marks an exciting time for Manchester United’s academy followers as they are introduced to the next group of scholars stepping up to the u18s.
On an unforgettable night for the youngsters, United hosted an event this week at Old Trafford for the new intake to sign their scholarship deals.
A group of 10 players confirmed their journey will continue at the club into the u18s and we take a look at those who will be featuring under Adam Lawrence next season.
Bendito Mantato
One of the bigger names in the group, Manatato already took the u18s by storm last season after being promoted early.
Often playing left back coming through the age groups and widely considered the best in the position in England for his age group, recent months have seen him push further forward an excel in an attacking role on the right wing too.
With six goals and two assists in just seven appearances in the league for the u18s, Mantato has been a force to be reckoned with since being introduced and really laid down the marker with a four goal masterclass against Blackburn u18s.
The scholarship signing also puts an end to the swirling rumours regarding the 16 year old, who has been attracting interest from a number of United’s rivals who looked to poach one of the top tier talents in the country.
Jim Thwaites
Another who has already impressed at the higher levels, Thwaites received his u21s debut last season at just 16.
A throwback to the era of silky number 10s, Thwaites’ technical ability was clear for everyone to see when he impressed in Germany at the 5-a-side Rewe Junior Cup last season.
Left footed with a skinny frame, comparisons can be drawn to the likes of Mesut Ozil in the way he drifts inside from the right to create and has an eye for the spectacular.
Thwaites picked up the goal of the season award at both u16s and u18s level last season, with the one at u18s level being a vital last-minute goal to extend United’s unbeaten streak.
Amir Ibragimov
Catching the eye with his skills and goals, Ibragimov is a flexible player who has operated in various roles across midfield and attack. Enjoying playing the ball quickly, he also possesses a lethal strike.
Originally from Dagestan, Ibragimov has represented England at u16s level, including a goal against Italy.
He isn’t just rated online though, the club see the youngster as one of the star talents, giving him his u21s debut at just 15. He would probably have been seen more regularly in the u18s last season if not for some niggling injuries.
Albert Mills
A tall centre back, Mills also made his u18s debut towards the end of the season with a tough test against Sunderland.
Cameron Byrne-Hughes
A keeper by trade, Byrne-Hughes already made history with the u18s last season when he enjoyed a run out on the left wing.
It was his debut at the level and it’ll certainly be one to never forget for the youngster, who was given the chance to stretch his legs when injury struck and United had no substitutions remaining against Middlesbrough.
Dante Plunkett
A recent signing from Aston Villa, Plunkett came on trial in February before making the move permanent.
A left back, he will have big boots to fill as Harry Amass moves up the age groups to open a spot for the new signing.
Dan Armer
Another who has already made his u21s debut with a brief cameo against Derby County, Armer was introduced more regularly with the u18s towards the end of last season.
A towering centre back, he possesses physicality but also a good technical ability to play the ball out from the back.
Godwill Kukonki
Another defender, Kukonki made his u18s debut at just 15 and is capable at both left back and centre back.
Fred Heath
The tallest of the group, it is no surprise that Heath is a keeper. Yet to feature at u18s level yet, his large frame makes him a big presence in goal.
James Bailey
Signed from Burnley three years ago, Bailey operates across the midfield but is at his best centrally when he can put his close control to better use in tight areas.
Adam Lawrence’s squad may not be fully complete with the group though as there does remain space for a signing or two over the summer.
Congratulations to this years scholar intake
A lot of work put in for this moment…
Exciting season ahead for all pic.twitter.com/ml2fS9oJj8
— academyarena Utd (@academyarenaUTD) July 1, 2024
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