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Manchester United wonderkid catching the eye in pre-season as Bruno Fernandes steps in as mentor

Originally posted on HITC | By Jonny Maze | Last updated Jul 12, 2025 9:09 AM ET

Manchester United’s pre-season training squad has seen a handful of Carrington’s finest alongside the first team.

Ruben Amorim is known for his willingness to give young players a chance and promote from within the academy.

During his time at Sporting CP, he handed out 27 academy debuts over four years, including future Chelsea player Geovany Quenda.

That approach has carried over to Manchester United, where he’s already introduced Chido Obi, Harry Amass and Tyler Fredricson to the senior setup. All three are expected to play a part in the upcoming season.

This summer, Reece Munro has been involved with the senior squad during pre-season training. But it’s two other academy players who have really stood out so far.

Who are the Manchester United Academy players impressing Ruben Amorim?

Kobbie Mainoo is one of these players, but he was already on this trajectory after breaking into Erik ten Hag’s side last season and becoming a regular under Amorim too. This summer is no different with Mainoo still impressing coaches every day.

The other name being mentioned by Manchester Evening News is Ethan Wheatley who played twice for United at the end of last season as a late substitute against Crystal Palace and Brighton & Hove Albion.

Bruno Fernandes helping Shea Lacey settle in at Manchester United

Fans have long believed that Shea Lacey could become a star for the club, provided he stays fit. Now, there are early signs that this might finally be happening.

After catching the eye during the post-season tour, Lacey was handed a new first-team number and has been training with the senior squad throughout the summer, reflecting Amorim’s growing confidence in him.

He’s also received support from club captain Bruno Fernandes, according to Manchester United’s official website.

Photo by Zed Jameson/MB Media/Getty Images

The article mentions that as players made their way onto the training pitch, Fernandes and Lacey were seen deep in conversation – no doubt filled with helpful guidance from the captain.

It also highlighted how Lacey was trusted repeatedly by teammates during an 11 vs 11 session, particularly when working in tight areas where his dribbling and close control stood out.

Lacey impressed Amorim during pre-season and now looks likely to get more opportunities in the coming months, including a potential debut early on in the new campaign.

Manchester United players wowed by Bendito Mantato

Lacey wasn’t the only youngster involved, as Bendito Mantato also spent the week training with the first team, hinting that he could be in for a bigger role this season.

He is a player who has already made his Manchester United debut, coming on as a substitute during the 3-0 defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford back in September last year.

The same report mentioned that Diogo Dalot and other senior players were full of praise for Mantato’s efforts. That backing from within the squad is important for any young player looking to establish themselves.

Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

With both Mantato and Lacey staying with the first team even after more senior players returned, it looks likely that they’ll be involved when United travel to Sweden next week to face Leeds.

Both are among the most ready academy talents at Manchester United right now and have been tipped as high-potential prospects for some time. Now seems like their opportunity to step up.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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