Manchester United make decision on Jim Thwaites future

Jim Thwaites is one example of how Manchester United’s academy set-up is still producing high talented individuals that could have an impression on the professional football scene in the future.

The 18-year-old midfielder made 13 appearances for the Red Devils’ Under-21s side last season.

United are continuing to make transfer decisions surrounding youth players, however, with the transfer window in its final few weeks.

Reports last week suggested that Dan Gore, Ethan Wheatley, and Toby Collyer should pursue permanent moves away from United, given that the trio were unlikely to receive first-team opportunities during the coming campaign.

Shea Lacey and Tyler Fletcher lead the queue of players looking to break through from the academy, on the other hand.

Now, with the window set to shut at the beginning of September, the club have made a decision on the future of Jim Thwaites.

Writing for The Sun, journalist Samuel Luckhurst has stated that United are set to keep the midfielder in-house this season.

Luckhurst has also revealed that Thwaites is expected to follow a similar path to the one that the Fletcher brothers took last season by playing for the Under-21s the majority of the time whilst also taking part in first-team training and getting first team minutes too.

Michael Carrick has looked to give first-team opportunities to those in the academy during his tenure at Manchester United so far.

Having secured Champions League qualification prior to the end of last season, Carrick gave Lacey and Tyler Fletcher first-team minutes against Brighton and Hove Albion.

Several United academy prospects have also been given a chance to shine during pre-season by the manager with Jaydan Kamason and Jacob Devaney both scoring against Rosenberg last month.

With Thwaites’ future now dictated, the midfielder may hope that he will receive similar opportunities in the coming season.