Manchester United have five academy stars who could cause a shock in 2024/2025 premier league season

For any young player at Manchester United, embarking on a pre-season summer tour and spending time with experienced teammates is an unforgettable opportunity.

Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s era, United has traveled abroad for pre-season, with the exception of Covid-related restrictions, and they have received enthusiastic support wherever they go.

Their trips have included nearby locations like Scotland and Ireland, as well as longer excursions to Scandinavia, Asia, and North America. Organizing international pre-season matches allows United’s worldwide fanbase to see the team live, which is also financially advantageous. Recently, top Premier League teams have frequently toured the United States, and this summer, United will visit Los Angeles, San Diego, and Columbia.

Last year, Erik ten Hag oversaw United’s pre-season in the U.S., selecting a 31-man squad that featured Kobbie Mainoo, Omari Forson, and Dan Gore.

Mainoo subsequently became a regular starter, Gore made his senior debut in September, and Forson played his first match in January, illustrating that the young players included in the 2023 U.S. tour were held in high regard by Ten Hag and his coaching staff.

The selection of youngsters for an overseas tour often reflects the manager’s intentions, making it intriguing to see which academy talents will be chosen this summer. United has a strong history of youth development, consistently producing talented players. Alejandro Garnacho and Mainoo are the latest successful academy graduates, and further senior debuts are anticipated.

The club achieved a significant milestone last season when the 250th player from their academy made a first-team debut.

Ethan Wheatley made history by becoming the 250th graduate, coming off the bench against Sheffield United in April. The young forward replaced Rasmus Hojlund and relished every moment on the pitch.

After the match, Wheatley spoke to MUTV, attempting to conceal his excitement as he answered questions. “It’s a great club with a rich history, especially in the academy. It’s an honor to make my debut and that number – 250. That adds something special,” he remarked.

“I was just thrilled, and when I got the call [to come on], I felt a few nerves, but once I was ready, I was excited and did my best for the team.”

Wheatley was nicknamed “250” by his academy teammates, and his debut followed an eventful 24 hours, during which he also led the Under-18s to a trophy.

The day before his debut at Old Trafford, he scored twice in the first half of the U18s cup final against Manchester City at Leigh Sports Village.

Wheatley was substituted at halftime to be ready for the first team the next day. Wayne Rooney was present at Leigh to watch, and the United legend would have been impressed with Wheatley’s well-taken goals that clinched the trophy.

There is still more to come from Wheatley, who has already shown promise in pre-season and has a good chance of being part of the U.S. tour squad.

Toby Collyer may also join the squad. The midfielder captained the team in the second half of the pre-season opener against Rosenborg, indicating Ten Hag’s high regard for him.

Collyer was named on the bench eight times last season, and although he did not make the FA Cup final squad, he traveled to Wembley and was on the pitch at full time. Another young player with a slim chance of making the squad is Jack Fletcher, son of former player and current coach Darren Fletcher.

Club sources believe Fletcher has the potential to join the first team. Although his progress was hindered by an injury last season, he is now fully fit.

As United’s U.S. tour approaches, fans are eager to see which young talents make the squad—they could soon become key players for the first team.

Manchester United’s pre-season tours, particularly to the United States, have long been a showcase for emerging talent from the club’s renowned academy. Players like Kobbie Mainoo, Omari Forson, and Dan Gore, who were part of last summer’s U.S. tour, have since made strides in the first team under Erik ten Hag. This tradition of integrating youth players into the squad during pre-season has been a hallmark of United’s philosophy since Sir Alex Ferguson’s time.

The 2024 U.S. tour, which will take the team to Los Angeles, San Diego, and Columbia, presents another exciting opportunity for young players to break into the first team. This year, Ethan Wheatley, who made his debut last season and became the 250th academy graduate to play for the senior side, is a strong candidate to be included. Wheatley’s achievements, including leading the U18s to a trophy and scoring twice in the final against Manchester City, have marked him as a promising forward with significant potential.

Toby Collyer, another standout young player, could also be part of the tour. Collyer, who captained the side in a pre-season match against Rosenborg and was frequently named on the bench last season, is highly regarded by Ten Hag. Despite not making the FA Cup final squad, his presence at Wembley signals his growing importance to the team.

Additionally, Jack Fletcher, the son of Darren Fletcher, could be a dark horse for the U.S. tour. After recovering from an injury that slowed his progress, Fletcher is once again showing potential, and club insiders see a future for him in the senior team.

The anticipation around the U.S. tour is not just about established stars but also about the next generation of talent, who may soon have their breakthrough moments on the global stage. Fans will be keen to see which young players are chosen and how they perform alongside experienced teammates.