Top seven most promising Manchester United youngsters right now

The Red Devils continue to produce many talented academy players.

There are only a few clubs that have continued to produce many talented players from the ranks of their academy, and Manchester United are among them. The Red Devils are renowned for unearthing many talented individual stars from their academy. Over the decades, we have witnessed them making a name for themselves after earning a call-up to the senior squad.

These academy players generally impress during the junior-level matches, and their brilliant performance earns them a place in the senior squad. The club have already scouted and brought many young players to the academy, who are currently playing for the youth team. In this list, we have found some of the most promising U18 Man United Gems.

Some of the most promising U18 Man United Gems

7. Ayden Heaven (18)

During the winter transfer window, Manchester United successfully acquired Arsenal’s teenage defender Ayden Heaven.

Last year, the 18-year-old played his only senior game for Arsenal against Preston North End in the Carabao Cup. Heaven agreed to a deal that will expire in 2029 and has an additional year’s option.

The 18-year-old centre back, who is already making an impression at the youth club, is renowned for his astounding defending. He may be given the opportunity to play for the senior squad next season.

6. Shea Lacey (18)

Another player with a powerful left foot, Shea Lacey, joined Manchester United on a professional deal in April 2024. Though he prefers to play on the right wing, he can play anywhere throughout the front line.

One of Lacey’s strongest skills is his capacity to lob the ball into the top corner from dead-ball situations. His ability to do so has been extensively shared on social media.

The 18-year-old, who was born in Liverpool, suffered an injury last season that limited his playing time. He only played ten games as a result. He is eager to return to the field and prove to supporters why he is one of the promising U-18 gems.

5. Harry Amass (18)

In the summer of 2023, Harry Amass was signed on a four-year contract from Watford. Due to an injury problem, he played 22 games for the club’s academy last season in addition to making many appearances on the main team’s bench.

The Red Devils went on a preseason tour in the United States before the 2024–2025 season. In each of the three preseason games, Amass received praise for his outstanding technical skill and offensive danger from out wide. The young full-back has a clear road to a spot in the first team rotation, given the injury problems with Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw.

It was evident that Amass continued his growth with the youth teams in the meantime.

4. Diego Léon (18)

In the January transfer window, Manchester United agreed to sign Diego Leon, a teenage full-back. But they couldn’t finalise the transaction until April, when he turned 18.

The Paraguayan will formally be confirmed as a new acquisition this week after visiting United’s training base Carrington earlier in the year to finish his initial medical exams.

Although the full-back is anticipated to be included in the team’s preseason plans, he has already made it apparent to Ruben Amorim that he wants to strive for first-team football at Old Trafford.

3. Chido Obi (17)

Chido Obi-Martin started playing football with the local team KB in Denmark, where he was born, before moving to North London to join Arsenal in 2022 at the age of 14. Obi-Martin’s form and thus his stock skyrocketed with the Gunners.

Manchester United acquired him after he left Arsenal. Obi-Martin has scored seven goals in six appearances, including a hat-trick on his debut, demonstrating how quickly he has settled in. Amorim has already put his faith in the tall Dane to contribute to the first team. He should get more chances the following season.

2. Jayden Ngwashi (16)

It was earlier reported that Jayden Ngwashi was exploring a move from Manchester United after attracting interest from European clubs. This alerted the club’s board, who were quick to convince the talented teenager regarding their project and tied him down to a new contract.

It was a crucial talk with the player and his family as they discussed how soon he could be playing for the first team. The defender has appeared for U-18 and U-21 teams. He will be hoping to make it to the senior team next season.

1. JJ Gabriel (14)

The 14-year-old Man United wonderkid JJ Gabriel is the subject of a lot of excitement. Some of United’s competitors were eager to buy the teenager. Known as “Kid Messi,” Gabriel is thought to be one of the club’s most promising U-18 gems

In April, he made his United under-18 debut, scoring two goals as the Red Devils crushed Leeds 13-1. Gabriel, who just inked a lucrative sponsorship agreement with Nike, is the child of former Republic of Ireland star Joe O’Cearuill.

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