Ranking the Top 30 Current Manchester United Academy Prospects | OneFootball

Manchester United have had an academy graduate in the matchday squad for every game since October 1937. While the record may be lost soon, the importance of the youth team to the club will never be forgotten. In recent years, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo have cemented themselves as regulars in the starting 11 after their impressive FA Youth Cup win in 2022. Along with Toby Collyer, who made his first start against Rangers in the Europa League, they have proved that the pathway to the first team remains.

Adam Lawrence and Travis Binnion’s youth sides have continued to impress, with several players looking like they could step up and play under Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese manager isn’t afraid to play youngsters; at Sporting, he gave 27 young players their debut in the first team in just four years at the club. Here’s a ranking of the top 30 Manchester United academy prospects (who have not made their full debut) who could play for the club.

This list will separate each of the Manchester United academy prospects into 4 groups:

Top 30 Current Manchester United Academy Prospects

Career Away from United

30. Habeeb Ogunneye – Right Back – 4/10

Ogunneye is an 18-year-old right back who has become a regular for Travis Binnion’s under-21s side, nailing down the right-hand side after the departure of Marc Jurado. In younger age groups, the 2005-born defender played as a centre back but as he got older, managers began to play him at full back due to his height.

Habeeb Ogunneye is one of the few on this list who have been involved in the first team; however, he is yet to make his debut and has only appeared on the bench. His first bench appearance came on 28 February 2024 in the FA Cup against Nottingham Forest. Erik ten Hag included him in several matchday squads in 23/24 but his small frame and current links away from the club suggest Ogunneye could begin his senior career away from Old Trafford.

29. Ethan Ennis – Winger – 4/10

Ethan Ennis, a 20-year-old winger, is currently on loan at Doncaster Rovers from Manchester United for the remainder of the 2024/25 season. He has improved in recent years after returning from a serious ACL injury and becoming a regular in the under-21s. Erik ten Hag was known to be a big fan of Ennis but he wasn’t involved in a matchday squad for the Dutchman.

Despite his technical abilities and versatility, his limited impact at the senior level suggests that his future may lie away from Old Trafford.

28. Joe Hugill – Centre Forward – 4/10

Joe Hugill, a 21-year-old striker from Durham, joined Manchester United’s academy in 2020 after stints with Newcastle United and Sunderland. He made an immediate impact, notably scoring four goals against Liverpool’s U23s.

Despite his early promise, Hugill has yet to make a senior appearance for United and has been loaned out to several clubs to gain first-team experience. His loan spells include Altrincham, Burton Albion, Wigan Athletic, and currently, Carlisle United. While he has shown glimpses of his potential, his limited impact at these clubs raises questions about his future at Old Trafford.

27. Malachi Sharpe – Winger – 4/10

Formerly of Derby County, Malachi Sharpe is a winger who can also be deployed as a striker. He represents Scotland at youth level and has shown glimpses of being a player capable of playing at a good level.

Sharpe likes to drive down the wing and utilise his lightning pace to beat the defender before shooting or crossing into the box. However, like Mather, he is unlikely to remain at the club at the senior level due to the competition he will face from other youngsters coming through.

26. Rhys Bennett – Centre Back – 5/10

Rhys Bennett, a 21-year-old centre-back from Denton, England, has been with Manchester United since joining the academy at the under-10 level. He captained the U18 team to FA Youth Cup glory in the 2021–22 season, scoring in the final against Nottingham Forest.

In August 2024, Bennett joined Fleetwood Town on a season-long loan to gain first-team experience. As of December 2024, he has made nine league appearances for Fleetwood. While his leadership and defensive capabilities are evident, it’s unlikely if he will secure a place in Manchester United’s senior squad upon his return.

25. Sonny Aljofree – Centre Back – 5/10

The former captain of the under-21s before departing for loan, Sonny Aljofree, is currently at Accrington Stanley playing regular football in League Two. The central defender has become an important player in their relegation battle, even netting two goals already this season. Young players are often ignored in relegation fights because playing them can be risky, but Aljofree’s leadership and character have seen him play regularly under John Doolan.

The Plymouth-born 20-year-old is very composed on the ball and was even deployed as a libero under Travis Binnion last season, stepping into midfield in possession. A season on loan will help Aljofree develop both physically and mentally, preparing him for first-team football. While he is promising and has a good mentality, it is never easy for a central defender to come into the first team. United’s FFP and PSR struggles could see Aljofree leave the club, with other players in his position and his age compared to other defensive prospects.

24. Ashton Missin – Winger – 5/10

A versatile player, Missin predominately plays as a right winger but he has also been used as a left winger and right back. His versatility and work rate make him a perfect profile for a wingback position in Amorim’s system if he remains at the club. He can beat almost anyone for pace and likes to cross the ball when the opportunity arises.

If he makes a permanent transition to wingback, he could be given a chance in the first team sooner rather than later; however, his recent injury could be the reason other players are preferred as first team options.

23. Sam Mather – Winger – 5/10

Salford-born Sam Mather is a 20-year-old versatile forward, having played as a winger on both sides as well as an attacking midfielder. He is one of the few to spend time away from United in professional football, with a loan to Rochdale in the National League. Mather impressed and many have called for him to be loaned to a higher level or even given a chance in the first team. However, Ruben Amorim has changed the system to a 3-4-2-1, meaning Mather has to compete with wingers and attacking midfielders for a spot in the team.

His age compared to other prospects in the same position will likely see him leave the club, despite being a good profile for the system.

22. Jacob Devaney – Defensive Midfielder – 5.5/10

Jacob Devaney is a name that will be very familiar to those who watch United’s youth sides regularly, featuring both for the under-18s and the 21s. The Ireland youth international was a key player in Adam Lawrence’s under-18s team when they won the Premier League in 2023/24. He formed a great partnership with Finley McAllister to become one of the most successful teams in the competition’s history.

Devaney is unlucky to miss out on the next category but with only two midfield positions in the first team, and names like Collyer and Mainoo already in there, it could be very difficult for him to establish himself at United. A move away from the club could be the best option to develop and achieve his high potential.

21. Jack Kingdon – Centre Back – 5.5/10

Jack Kingdon is a Scottish youth international and a composed central defender who can play on either side. In the 2023/24 season, he formed a solid partnership with Louis Jackson across the under-18s and the under-21s. The centre back has recently been loaned to Rochdale to further his development.

Kingdon is comfortable on the ball, physical in the tackle and shows good character in his communication but he is another defender who could struggle to get into the first team squad. Talented defensive prospects (Axel Tuanzebe and Teden Mengi) have left United because of a lack of game time and have proven their quality; Kingdon may have to follow suit.

Wait and See

20. James Overy – Right Back – 6/10

James Overy has yet to feature for Manchester United’s youth teams due to injury, but he has already played against West Ham United for Perth Glory. He signed in September 2024 as an attacking right back but has been injured since his move to England. Overy’s attacking style should suit the Amorim system but as he hasn’t played, it is unclear how he will adapt to English football.

19. Samuel Lusale – Winger – 6/10

Samuel Lusale is a player simply too early to judge; he joined United from Crystal Palace in September 2024 and has featured sporadically for the under-18s. The 17-year-old is primarily a winger and was signed before Erik ten Hag left the club; where he fits into Amorim’s system remains to be seen but the potential he holds is clear.

18. Tyler Fletcher – Defensive Midfielder – 6/10

Son of Darren Fletcher, Tyler is a promising midfielder and has become a regular for the under-18s this season under Adam Lawrence. He joined the club in July 2023 but struggled with injuries in his first year at the club. Fletcher is composed on the ball and likes to drop in between the defenders before playing it wide or to his midfield partner.

At just 17, time is on his side but he faces fierce competition to progress into the under-21s and the first team. The former Manchester City player may find a move away is his best option for opportunities in the first team.

17. Ethan Wheatley – Centre Forward – 6/10

One of the few to have already made his first team debut, Wheatley is no doubt a talented player but where he will play at the senior level remains to be seen. He has recently moved on loan to Walsall in League Two, but just last season he was featuring for the first team.

Under Erik ten Hag, Wheatley became United’s 250th academy graduate and also played four more times, including off the bench against Arsenal. However, he is yet to feature under Amorim despite poor performances from Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund. Time will only tell for Wheatley.

16. Jack Moorhouse – Attacking Midfielder – 6/10

One of the older players in this category, Jack Moorhouse’s talent and potential, is not the reason. He is an elite dribbler and has been known to carry the ball from box to box before being brought down or playing it wide. The big problem for the midfielder is his injury history; in 2023/24, he played just twice for the under-18s but has already become a regular in the under-21s.

His future may not be with Manchester United but this will not be the last time you hear the name Jack Moorhouse; his dribbling is something out of this world.

15. Finley McAllister – Central Midfielder – 6.5/10

Another talented midfielder, McAllister follows the club home and away if it doesn’t clash with a fixture for the youth team. He captained the under-18s to a Premier League and Premier League Cup win last season and has since progressed into the under-21s. A born leader, he does his best work out of possession and hunts down opposition midfielders before playing forward to the attackers.

McAllister will do everything he can to make it at United and fulfil his lifelong dream but it will not be easy, with several other players competing for the same position.

14. Gabriele Biancheri – Centre Forward- 6.5/10

Gabriele Biancheri has been a name consistently talked about since he joined United from Cardiff just a few seasons ago. Since then, he has battled with Ethan Wheatley and Chido Obi Martin for game time but has outplayed both at times. While he is best as a striker, he can also play as a winger or even a number 10 because of his well-rounded game.

His potential is clear for all to see and how he comes back from injury will likely determine his future at United. With so many other young players who can play in his position, Biancheri could struggle for opportunities but his technical ability should see him at least make his debut.

A Premier League Player

13. Jim Thwaites – Central Midfielder – 7/10

Jim Thwaites will be one of the more unknown players on this list but he is one of the most exciting. Thwaites is just 17 years old and can play as an attacking midfielder or a central midfielder; he has already been compared with the likes of David Beckham and Paul Scholes.

The Beckham comparisons come from his set-piece excellence, with pinpoint accuracy to locate the top corner on almost every free kick he takes. He has cemented himself as a regular in the under-18s this season and will look to continue his development in the coming years. Remember the name Jim Thwaites.

12. Harry Amass – Left Back – 7/10

Harry Amass has impressed on multiple occasions since joining Manchester United in 2023 from Watford. The attacking left back was a standout in Adam Lawrence’s under-18s side last season and his form continued into pre-season. Amass faced Mohamed Salah in a friendly in the United States, playing exceptionally well.

Despite Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw struggling with injuries, Amass has yet to receive his first team debut, with fans questioning why. Diego Leon will join United in the summer, providing the left back with even more competition for first team minutes.

11. James Scanlon – Attacking Midfielder – 7/10

James Scanlon is primarily an attacking midfielder who can also play on the wing. He isn’t the quickest but Scanlon makes up for it with his quality passing and excellent finishing ability. In just nine league games, the Gibraltarian has scored 10 and assisted four for Manchester United’s under-18s.

Already a senior international, Scanlon is more prepared than most for first-team football if Amorim chooses to use him.

10. Shea Lacey – Right Wing – 7/10

Shea Lacey is probably the player on this list with the most natural talent; he can get past defenders like they aren’t there and pass the ball through the lines with great accuracy. The 17-year-old likes to cut inside and score for fun, curling them into the far corner or firing them into the near side. However, his struggle with injuries has been immense.

At the end of 2023, Lacey tore his thigh muscle and was out for the rest of the 2023/24 season. When he returned to playing action, he faced another injury, which kept him out until September 2024. The talented winger has played just four games for the under-18s this season; no doubt a quality player but can he stay injury-free?

9. Jack Fletcher – Attacking Midfielder- 7/10

Jack Fletcher, brother of Tyler and son of Darren, is another United prospect who can play across midfield. He joined at 16 from Manchester City and made an instant impact, being praised for his creativity. Fletcher has already become a regular for the under-21s and even made it onto the bench several times for the first team.

The England youth international has clear potential and is one of the candidates to receive his debut before the end of this season.

8. Elyh Harrison – Goalkeeper – 7.5/10

Elyh Harrison only joined Manchester United in the summer of 2022, signing from Stevenage to join the under-18s team. Harrison is the definition of a modern-day goalkeeper; he excels at playing out from the back with good short and long passing. The Denzil Haroun Reserve-Team Player of the Year for 2023/24 is also known for his composure on the ball; he has even Cruyff-turned opposition strikers in his own penalty area.

The current under-21s goalkeeper spent the first six months of the season on loan at Chester in the National League North. Harrison started 18 games in the league, keeping seven clean sheets and conceding just 16 goals. Chester was sad to see him go but the 18-year-old gained valuable experience that could further his development significantly. Goalkeeper is one of the hardest positions for a player to break through but with Harrison’s potential, he has a great chance.

7. Jayce Fitzgerald – Defensive Midfielder – 7.5/10

Fitzgerald is a versatile player, having started games at centre back, defensive midfield, attacking midfield and even at right back if necessary. While he is a well-rounded player, his best position is clearly at the heart of midfield with the freedom to dictate play. The 17-year-old likes to switch possession and start attacking moves from the back; he is well suited to any system because of his natural quality.

Jayce Fitzgerald has already appeared on the bench for Manchester United and came close to receiving his debut under Ruud Van Nistelrooy. Another quality midfield talent.

6. Bendito Mantato – Winger/Wing Back – 7.5/10

Bendito Mantato is a player who is perfectly suited to Ruben Amorim’s tactics. The Portuguese manager favours a left-footed right winger as the right wing back; this was seen at Sporting with Geovany Quenda and with Amad Diallo at Manchester United. Mantato primarily plays as a right winger, driving down the wing or cutting inside onto his left foot, but he has also played as a left back for United’s under-18s.

Fans of the youth team have called for Mantato to be involved in the first team and his debut could come sooner rather than later.

5. Sékou Koné – Defensive Midfielder – 7.5/10

Sékou Koné only signed for Manchester United in the summer of 2024, joining from Mali after impressing in the under-17 World Cup. He has already excited fans with his performances for the under-21s, his composure in possession and his fight to win it back without.

The transfer team clearly brought Koné in because they believe he can quickly become a first-team option. With Casemiro and Eriksen appearing to be out of favour, his debut could come before the end of the season.

4. Daniel Gore – Central Midfielder – 7.5/10

Just a few years ago, Daniel Gore was talked about in the same conversations as Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho. Fans of the academy will know how much talent Gore has: he can pass short and long distances, he can dribble through the pitch, he can shoot with power and accuracy, and he’s a natural leader. The central midfielder is another who has had significant injury struggles.

After making his first team debut under Erik ten Hag, Gore was loaned to Port Vale for the remainder of the 2023/24 season. However, the England youth international played just one game before sustaining an injury that would keep him out until the end of the season. This season he has played in the under-21s and continued to struggle with fitness. Gore could be another that falls victim to the injury curse.

First Team Regular

3. Godwill Kukonki – Centre Back – 8/10

Godwill Kukonki has already appeared on the bench for Manchester United several times under Ruben Amorim, despite being just 16. He is a left-footed defender and is perfectly suited to Amorim’s system, as he can play as both a left back and a centre back.

The teenager is one of the only youngsters to be involved under the Portuguese manager. Kukonki will likely be the next youth team player to graduate to the first team.

2. Amir Ibragimov – Attacking Mid – 8/10

Born in Dagestan, Ibragimov is an England youth international and another exciting prospect. He has played everywhere from striker to defensive midfield for United’s youth teams and was rumoured to be involved in first team training at just 14.

The 16-year-old is a regular for the under-18s side and has featured for the under-21s on multiple occasions. With ability beyond his years, Amir Ibragimov is one for Red Devils fans to keep an eye out for.

1. Chido Obi-Martin – Centre Forward – 9/10

Signed from Arsenal in the summer of 2024, Chido Obi-Martin is destined for greatness. At the Gunners, he was involved in first team training and broke scoring records for fun. Despite being just 17, he has already become the under-18 Premier League top goalscorer and will likely hold the record for years to come.

Manchester United’s striking issues have led fans to call for the introduction of Obi-Martin but he has yet to receive a first-team call-up. With physicality like Lukaku and finishing like Lewandowski, Obi-Martin will be a name talked about for years to come. If the Danish youth international reaches his full potential, he could go down as one of the greats of the Premier League.