Ireland officially name Manchester United midfielder as captain

A Manchester United midfielder has been handed a major international honour after being trusted with the captain’s armband for his country’s latest fixture.

The announcement was made on X ahead of the 15:45 kick-off against Qatar.

The versatile United midfielder was selected to lead a side that showed eight changes from its previous outing.

It continues an impressive year for the young midfielder.

He spent the season gaining valuable first-team experience away from Old Trafford.

Jacob Devaney enjoyed a productive loan spell with St Mirren.

He has established himself in senior football and earned praise for a series of composed performances in midfield.

Earlier this month, we covered how the Republic of Ireland had rewarded those displays by calling him up for the latest international camp.

That progress has now continued.

The Football Association of Ireland have confirmed that the 18-year-old is captaining the Republic of Ireland Under-21s against Qatar Under-23s.

The update was announced on X alongside the starting line-up.

The Manchester United youngster was handed one of the biggest responsibilities available at youth international level.

Captaining his country is another significant milestone for Jacob Devaney.

He will hope his successful loan spell and growing international reputation can help him push closer to first-team football when he returns to Carrington.

Manchester United have increasingly looked to use loan moves to develop academy prospects.

Devaney’s campaign at St Mirren appears to have strengthened his standing both at club and international level.

With senior experience under his belt and the opportunity to lead his country, the midfielder will now be hoping to carry that momentum into the next stage of his development.