Manchester United’s pre-season preparations for the 2024/25 campaign are in full swing, with Erik ten Hag, now backed by a new contract, assessing his squad options. The first of five scheduled friendlies has already taken place, where a young United side was narrowly defeated by Rosenborg in Norway. Due to various players either being on holiday after international duty or focusing on individual fitness programs back at Carrington, most of the first-team squad was unavailable for the trip to Trondheim. A similarly youthful group is expected to face Rangers at Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium.
This mirrors last summer’s approach when a young squad was selected for early friendlies in Norway and Scotland before the first team embarked on a summer tour to America. Youngsters had the chance to earn a spot on that tour squad, with players like Kobbie Mainoo and Omari Forson making the most of the opportunity.
Following the match against Rangers, United will head back to the United States. Here are four young talents to watch this summer:
Toby Collyer
Age: 20
Position: Midfield
Toby Collyer was handed the captain’s armband in the second half against Rosenborg, following Casemiro’s captaincy in the first half. Collyer’s progress was rewarded with a new contract just two days before the game, which will keep him at Old Trafford until the summer of 2027. Last season, he made the first-team bench eight times.
Harry Amass
Age: 17
Position: Left-back
United’s left-back issues are easing, with Luke Shaw starting the Euro 2024 final and Tyrell Malacia returning to training. However, Harry Amass has a chance to make an impression this summer, as neither senior player is likely to be involved in the early friendlies. Invited to senior training sessions last season at just 16, Amass has been highlighted by Shaw as a young talent to watch.
Ethan Wheatley
Age: 18
Position: Striker
Ethan Wheatley is one of the most well-known young talents at United, having made three first-team appearances towards the end of last season, becoming the 250th academy player to debut for the senior team. The Stockport-born striker, who shares a similar physical frame to Rasmus Hojlund and new arrival Joshua Zirkzee, is a prolific goal-scorer. He netted nine times in eight Under-18 Premier League games last season, including a hat-trick against Liverpool.
Ethan Williams
Age: 18
Position: Winger
Ethan Williams had a remarkable season, contributing 26 goals and assists in 35 appearances across various levels and competitions. Known for his two-footedness, Williams usually plays on the left flank but started on the right against Rosenborg to accommodate Marcus Rashford. His performance in the Under-18 Premier League final, where he scored the winning goal, underscores his potential.
Additional Prospects
Apart from Collyer, Amass, Williams, and Wheatley, several other young players are making a case for themselves in United’s pre-season plans. The opportunity to integrate into the first team is a significant incentive for these players, and the friendly matches serve as a platform to showcase their abilities to Erik ten Hag and the coaching staff.
Manchester United’s focus on youth development has been a cornerstone of the club’s philosophy. The recent emphasis on domestic recruitment, driven by Brexit regulations restricting the signing of overseas players under 18, has not deterred United from nurturing homegrown talent. Last season saw the integration of Jack and Tyler Fletcher from Manchester City and Harry Amass from Watford, all of whom played pivotal roles in the Under-18s’ triumph in the Premier League Northern Division, the National Final, and the Premier League Cup.
With the new season approaching, these young players have the chance to cement their place in the squad and contribute to Manchester United’s pursuit of success across various competitions.
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