Manchester United’s academy prospects trained right up to the end of last week, despite the youth teams’ seasons ending a week earlier. The youngsters continued to report to Carrington to align with the first team.
The Manchester Evening News provides extensive coverage of United’s academy, and the academy notebook has been relaunched to offer readers the latest news, reaction and views on the youth system.
This week’s edition includes an academy prediction, what Michael Carrick thinks about Shea Lacey, and an encouraging quote from Omar Berrada.
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Carrick backing for Lacey
Carrick and his backroom staff are understood to rate Lacey “highly”, which won’t be a surprise to anyone who has watched the talented winger play for the academy.
Lacey trains with the first team and has made a strong impression during sessions at Carrington, vindicating the faith put in him.
Carrick introduced Lacey from the bench in the 62nd minute against Brighton, and he put an arm around the youngster before he came on.
The first-team staff are aware of Lacey’s ability, and his next challenge is to make himself impossible to ignore during pre-season this summer, which will be a chance to audition for more senior involvement.
Lacey is understood to be in a “really good place” and has been backed by staff to impress this summer. The 19-year-old will enjoy a break, but he will be itching to take the chance set to be given to him when he reports for pre-season.
Exciting first-team prediction
An academy source recently told the Manchester Evening News that there are “two or three players in the group” who could make the step up to the first team on a permanent basis next season.
Lacey is among those with genuine first-team credentials, but there are a few other academy players who have a strong chance of contributing to the squad in a season when the schedule will return to normal.
Tyler Fletcher was given a cameo against Brighton, however, other youngsters were under consideration for the trip, namely Jim Thwaites, who Carrick named on the bench to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in April.
The prediction should excite supporters, but this summer will be huge for United, and academy players must take their chances in pre-season with both hands.
Fletcher’s injury
United enjoyed a team bonding night at Greek restaurant Fenix in Spinngfields after winning their final home game of the season against Nottingham Forest, which a handful of youngsters were invited to attend.
Jack Fletcher was among the academy representatives, but he was spotted wearing a protective boot. The midfielder played for the U21s against Brighton in the Premier League 2 play-off final a day before the night out, and he is understood to have picked up the issue in that game.
Fletcher’s twin brother, Tyler, played for the first team on the final day of the season at the Amex Stadium, and he picked up the Denzil Haroun Reserve Team Player of the Year award, but Jack has also had a solid campaign.
The 19-year-old contributed six goals and nine assists, made three consecutive appearances for the first team in December, and made four other matchday squads in the Premier League. The only negative is that Fletcher ended the season with an injury.
Praise from Berrada
United released their third quarter finanical results on Wednesday. The numbers for each quarter are always accompanied by a quote from Omar Berrada, who paid tribute to the academy in his most recent statement.
Reflecting on the United academy teams’ seasons, Berrada said: “On the academy side, reaching the FA Youth Cup and PL2 play-off finals is also an indication of our continued commitment to youth development.”
That was recognition from United’s CEO for the academy, whose U18 and U21 teams enjoyed successful seasons, despite both just falling short in their hunt for silverware.
Aljofree departs
It’s always emotional for young players to leave United after progressing through the academy. Sonny Aljofree is the latest youth product to leave the club, having recently confirmed his exit on social media.
Aljofree wrote: “After 14 years at this amazing football club, my second home, and the place I’ve grown from a boy to man. I can’t thank the staff, players and everybody who has helped me enough for everything they have helped me with throughout my time. I’ve made brothers for life.
“I will always appreciate what this club have given me. I wish everybody at the club the absolute best. Ready to kick on and keep growing as a person and as a player. Once a red, always a red.”
Aljofree is now looking to kick on in his professional career.
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