For 88 years, Manchester United have named an academy product in every matchday squad
Ruben Amorim has recently faced questions over his commitment to the club's academy, choosing to criticise Chido Obi and Harry Amass when quizzed on why younger players were not getting opportunities
Amorim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe believe standards need to be raised at United's academy, but there are still several teenagers hoping to make a first-team impression in 2026.
Here, Standard Sport takes a look at three Man United youngsters to keep an eye on...
JJ Gabriel
Gabriel only turned 15 a couple of months ago and yet he is certainly the most exciting prospect in the United academy.
He has played on the left, in the No10 role and even as a false nine, and it is believed that Barcelona have been keeping close tabs on him.
Gabriel has watched more than one United match from the directors' box this season and has met with Sir Alex Ferguson. Amorim has also involved him in first-team training.
He is the youngest player to feature for United in the FA Youth Cup and marked that appearance with a goal against Peterborough in front of the Stretford End.
Last month, he scored a hat-trick against Liverpool for the U18s.
Amorim said: “Like everyone, I know he is a really talented guy and everyone paid attention on social media."
Jim Thwaites
On the post-season tour to Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong last season, Thwaites caught the eye of Amorim.
"I really like the kids," Amorim said.
"I think Jimmy in the last 15 minutes, as a midfielder, he wants to play. It doesn't matter how many minutes. These kind of young kids are really important. They will have space in our team."
The central midfielder has captained the U18s this season and also represented the U21s. His technical ability on the ball is rated highly, as is his set-piece taking.
Thwaites, who turned 18 this month, has been handed a deeper role in midfield this season and has been compared to both Paul Scholes and David Beckham.
With doubts over Kobbie Mainoo's future and Casemiro coming towards the end of his contract, Thwaites will hope to get an opportunity to push his case next year.
Jack Fletcher
Having been named on the bench against Tottenham earlier in December, Fletcher then made his first-team debut off the bench in the defeat away at Aston Villa.
Fletcher came on to replace Manuel Ugarte for the final 20 minutes, a reward for impressive displays for the youth team.
The 18-year-old is the son of former United midfielder Darren Fletcher, and his twin Tyler is also a promising prospect at the club.
Fletcher scored in the EFL Trophy against Barnsley earlier this season, but was then shown a red card which was believed to be for dissent.
The teenager has at times slotted in at left-back for the U21 side, but has primarily been used as an attacking midfielder and has scored three goals.
A debut at Villa Park was a real show of faith from Amorim and he is viewed as one of the academy players most ready to make the step up.
