Nine Manchester United academy players set to feature in pre-season friendlies

Manchester United will use this summer’s pre-season friendlies to assess a group of academy players, with manager Michael Carrick expected to hand significant minutes to young prospects while senior internationals remain occupied at the North American World Cup, which runs from June 11 to July 19.

Carrick signalled his intentions on the final day of the Premier League season, introducing 18-year-old Shea Lacey and Tyler Fletcher in the second half against Brighton at the Amex Stadium. United traditionally begin pre-season training at Carrington in the first week of July, meaning the opening phase of preparations will take place largely without players whose nations are still active in the tournament.

Shea Lacey made his senior debut against Aston Villa in December and has since made four first-team appearances, including two positive outings during Darren Fletcher’s caretaker spell. Staff at Carrington believe the teenager, who has been training regularly with the first team, can contribute to the senior squad next season.

Tyler Fletcher spent much of the campaign in the shadow of his twin brother before his own progress was formally recognised with the Denzil Haroun Reserve Team Player of the Year award. He made his debut against Tottenham in February and was named in nine further Premier League matchday squads before earning another appearance on the final day.

JJ Gabriel is arguably the most eye-catching name on the list. The 15-year-old scored 23 goals in 23 league appearances for United’s Under-18s and has already taken part in several first-team training sessions, making a strong impression on senior players. He collected both the U18 Player of the Season award and the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year prize.

Jim Thwaites demonstrated his resilience when he was named on the bench to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge the day after playing 120 minutes for the Under-18s in the FA Youth Cup semi-final — reportedly learning of his first-team call-up only after that academy match had finished. The dead-ball specialist also travelled with the first team to their training camp in the Republic of Ireland in April, underlining the regard Carrick’s staff hold him in.

The World Cup schedule means the precise timing of senior players’ returns will vary depending on how far their respective nations progress, giving the academy contingent a potentially extended window to make their case ahead of the new season.