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

For any young player at Manchester United, the chance to travel on a pre-season summer tour and spend time with senior players is a memorable experience.

United have been traveling overseas during pre-season since Sir Alex Ferguson’s time in charge, except when Covid restrictions made it impossible, and they have received tremendous support wherever they have gone.

There have been trips to places nearby like Scotland and Ireland, as well as longer journeys to Scandinavia, Asia, and North America. Organizing pre-season games around the world allows United’s global fanbase the opportunity to see the team live, while also being financially beneficial.

In recent years, Premier League elite teams have frequently traveled to the United States, and this summer, United will visit Los Angeles, San Diego, and Columbia.

Last year, Erik ten Hag managed United’s pre-season preparation in the U.S. and named a 31-man squad, which included Kobbie Mainoo, Omari Forson, and Dan Gore.

Mainoo went on to become a first-team regular the following season. Gore made his senior debut in September, while Forson got his first senior appearance in January, proving that the youngsters included in the 2023 USA tour were highly valued by Ten Hag and his staff.

The group of youngsters chosen to be part of the first-team squad for an overseas tour is usually a clear sign of the manager’s plans, and it will be interesting to see which academy players make the squad this summer.

United have long been leaders in youth development, continuing to produce talent. Alejandro Garnacho and Mainoo are the latest success stories from the academy, and it’s believed more senior debuts are likely.

The club celebrated an impressive milestone last season when the 250th player from United’s academy made a first-team debut.

Ethan Wheatley earned his place in the club’s history when he became the 250th graduate after coming off the bench against Sheffield United in April. The young forward replaced Rasmus Hojlund and cherished every moment on the pitch.

After the game, Wheatley spoke to MUTV, trying to hide his smile 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’s a little bit extra,” he said.

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

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

On the day before Wheatley’s 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 subbed off at halftime to be available for the first team the following day. Wayne Rooney was at Leigh to witness the performance, and United’s legend would have been impressed, as Wheatley’s goals were well-taken and secured the trophy.

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

Toby Collyer could also make the squad. The midfielder was given the captain’s armband in the second half of the pre-season opener against Rosenborg, and there have been signs that he’s highly regarded by Ten Hag.

Collyer was named on the bench eight times last season, and although he didn’t make the squad for the FA Cup final, he traveled to Wembley and was on the pitch at full time.

After the initial celebrations, Ten Hag had a conversation with Collyer, similar to a moment he shared with Mainoo after the 2023 Carabao Cup final.

Whether Collyer can have the same first-team impact as Mainoo remains to be seen—the Stockport-born youngster is a highly-rated prospect and excelled for England at Euro 2024—but the fact that Ten Hag took time to talk with him felt significant.

Another clue came when Collyer was rewarded with a new contract in July, extending his stay until 2027, and Ten Hag personally attended his contract signing.

A club source said Ten Hag “really likes” Collyer, who is yet to make his senior debut, and it seems very likely he’ll be on the pre-season traveling squad.

United lost their first friendly to Rosenborg 1-0, and Ten Hag was highly critical afterward, but he couldn’t fault the performance of Radek Vitek.

Vitek traveled to the U.S. last summer and may go again, despite United having Andre Onana, Tom Heaton, and Altay Bayindir in their goalkeeping options.

At 6ft 6ins, Vitek made a lasting impression against Rosenborg, making numerous key saves and being named man-of-the-match.

Vitek’s performance was reminiscent of Peter Schmeichel in his prime, and he deserved a clean sheet, but Rosenborg scored with a stunning effort in the final moments.

Vitek spent last season on loan with Accrington Stanley, where he gained valuable experience and game time, but he’s expected to play in a higher division next season, possibly on loan in the Championship.

The young keeper was key to the FA Youth Cup victory in 2021/22—Mainoo and Garnacho were also part of that team—and he is considered a prospect to watch.

Harry Amass could also make the U.S. squad after a brilliant season with the U18s, winning a treble, with two trophies claimed over City.

Amass participated in first-team training in February when he was just 16 and signed his first professional contract a month later when he turned 17.

The left-back joined United from Watford in 2023. Amass is seen as one of England’s most exciting young talents, and although he still has physical development ahead, Ten Hag trusted him enough to include him in matchday squads late last season.

Another young player with a slim chance of making the squad is Jack Fletcher, son of United’s former player and current coach Darren Fletcher.

Sources at the club believe Fletcher has the potential to make the first team, and while his progress was slowed by an injury last season, he’s now fully fit.

As United’s U.S. tour approaches, fans will be eager to see which young players make the cut—they could soon be starring for the first team.