Manchester United’s academy is one of the best in the world, and right now, there are some elite talents coming through the ranks.
While Sir Jim Ratcliffe might think the academy standards are low, the level of pure talent suggests otherwise.
Right now, Manchester United’s U18 and U21s are among the best in the nation, with some of the best young players at the club.
Does Ruben Amorim need to improve his use of the academy?⭐️
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The current crown jewel of this is JJ Gabriel. The 15-year-old is probably 99th percentile in world football for his age, with Gabriel even earning praise from Wayne Rooney.
But outside of Gabriel, there are other super talents in the academy right now.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty ImagesJayden Ngwashi is a youngster Manchester United are excited about
In terms of defenders, Jayden Ngwashi is one of the hottest prospects at the club, and for good reason. Already, Amorim has taken Ngwashi into first-team training, which demonstrates just how highly regarded he is.
WHO is the most UNDERRATED academy talent at Manchester United right now? 🤔🔥
JJ Gabriel and Shea Lacey are obviously exciting but who else are you excited by?
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Now, Andy Mitten has been discussing the academy on the Talk of the Devils podcast and Ngwashi’s name was raised.
“I’ll add a couple more names to it. Chido, who was obviously probably overexposed and overpromoted a year ago.
“James Overy, who got called up for Australia. Samuel Lusale, he needs to kick on.
“So, from the 18s, I think we’ve covered the names there. And then from the 17s, I think Jayden Ngwashi is a name that I keep hearing.”
United locked Ngwashi down last summer, with his future committed to the club. This was a necessary step, with Ngwashi being chased by Europe’s elite, and we fully expect to see the 17-year-old stepping up very soon.
Andy Mitten on Jim Thwaites and Bendito Mantato
Ngwashi wasn’t the only name to be mentioned positively by Mitten, with both Jim Thwaites and Bendito Mantato involved.
“Jimmy Thwaites and Bendito (Mantato), these are extremely highly rated”, Mitten revealed before explaining that while the club are excited, there is no guarantee.
“There’s always extremely highly rated youngsters in the youth team. There’s no guarantee that they’re going to become first-teamers. But if you get into this level, you’re probably going to have a good career in professional football.”
In particular, Thwaites looks ready to step up for United, being brilliant at every level for the academy and having qualities that suit professional football.
Meanwhile, Mantato might very well find himself getting a chance very soon as Amad’s absence with AFCON creates space for a wing-back to step up.
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