Manchester United midfielder hints at move away from club

Manchester United’s midfield has undergone changes this summer, but Michael Carrick is still carefully assessing every option available before the new Premier League season gets underway.

The arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans have strengthened the senior squad, while several academy players have also been handed opportunities to impress during pre-season as Carrick looks to build greater depth for the season ahead.

The United boss has spent more time than usual watching the club’s younger talents, with the Under-21s returning to Carrington a full week before the first-team squad.

That extra time has allowed Carrick to work closely alongside the academy coaches while identifying which youngsters could eventually make the step into senior football.

One player has already caught his eye.

Midfielder Jacob Devaney earned praise from Carrick following Manchester United’s 1-0 pre-season defeat to Wrexham in Helsinki after another encouraging display in red.

While the teenager continues to impress internally, Jacob Devaney admits his immediate priority is clear, playing regular first-team football.

The midfielder enjoyed an excellent loan spell at St. Mirren during the second half of last season, starting 16 matches in the Scottish Premiership after temporarily leaving Old Trafford in search of senior experience.

That spell has only strengthened his belief that another season of first-team football could be the perfect next step in his development.

Manchester United midfielder hints at future away from Old Trafford

Speaking about his future, Jacob Devaney explained, as relayed by the Manchester Evening News, “I want to play first-team football, whether that be at Man United for the next year or not.

“The main aim and goal for me is to play for Man United week in, week out.”

The youngster insists he is prepared to do whatever is required to eventually establish himself at Old Trafford.

“So whether I have to go on loan again and gain more valuable experience like what I have done at St. Mirren, that’s what I’ll do, or whether that be in the building, learning from the best, which is here at Man United, so we’ll see what happens.”

Devaney’s rise has also been recognised on the international stage.

Last month, the Football Association of Ireland announced the 18-year-old as captain of the Republic of Ireland Under-21 side during their fixture against Qatar Under-23s, underlining how highly he is regarded despite his young age.

He is not the only academy graduate considering his next move away from Carrington either.

Goalkeeper Radek Vitek recently hinted that another loan, or even a permanent departure, could be on the cards as he searches for consistent senior football.

The Czech shot-stopper admitted, “I feel great and ready to go again somewhere to be the number one. I want to be playing football every week.

“I’m ready for both scenarios [loan or permanent transfer]. There’s been a few interests on the table, hopefully it will happen soon.”

With Carrick continuing to evaluate United’s brightest prospects throughout pre-season, Devaney has already made a positive impression.

Whether that earns him opportunities with the first team or another valuable loan move remains to be seen, but the midfielder has made one thing perfectly clear, his long-term ambition has never changed which is to become a regular starter for Manchester United.