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Ruben Amorim sees bright future in Manchester United youngster he’s taken a real liking to

Originally posted on HITC | By Jonny Maze | Last updated Oct 29, 2025 10:07 AM ET

As Manchester United’s first team begins to show signs of progress, Ruben Amorim is increasingly bringing academy players into the fold.

After a difficult start to the season put his position under scrutiny, one of the main complaints was how little he’d used youth players.

United haven’t handed out any academy debuts this season despite strong performances from the U21s. Most matchdays see only one youth player included in the squad.

But with less pressure now, there’s more room for young players to get involved, and Amorim is preparing Shea Lacey for his first appearance with the senior side. Lacey isn’t the only youngster drawing attention from Amorim either.

James Overy getting plenty of Manchester United first-team exposure

It is not uncommon for Amorim to give youth a chance, having handed three debuts last season, and now Lacey could soon add his name to the list. Shea Lacey’s call-up would reflect a shift in opportunities for young players under Amorim. But the 18-year-old isn’t the only academy product stepping into the spotlight.

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Overy has become a regular presence in first-team training recently and is viewed by those around Carrington as someone who could have a big future at the club.

James Overy making strides at Manchester United

Manchester United have always been a club where youth development is expected, not just encouraged. Ruben Amorim appears to align with this approach, having given debuts to three young players last season.

This year, alongside Shea Lacey, Australian U20 international James Overy seems to be making a strong impression on the manager.

The Daily Mail has noted that while Overy has largely gone unnoticed publicly, he was involved in first-team training three times last week.

It’s an indication of how well the 18-year-old is thought of internally. According to one source at Carrington cited in the report: “He’s got one hell of a future ahead of him.”

Despite being the youngest member of Australia’s squad for last month’s U20 World Cup in Chile, James Overy made a notable impact during the tournament. He earned his place in the starting lineup and contributed an assist in Australia’s 3-1 victory over Cuba.

Overy joined United in 2024 as a highly-rated prospect. Although injuries disrupted his first season at Old Trafford, he still managed to show flashes of what he could offer down the line.

This saw Overy included in senior training ahead of the Europa League final, and it looks like he continues to build on that impression with Amorim giving him extra attention recently.

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

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