Manchester United teenagers Zachary Baumann and Jacob Devaney have both trained with the first team this week as the two academy products look to impress Erik ten Hag
Zachary Baumann is the latest academy star to feature in Manchester United’s first-team training.
The 17-year-old, who is also eligible for Ukraine, has enjoyed an impressive campaign and has been rewarded as a result. The central midfielder has become a regular in Travis Binnion’s under-21 side whilst also featuring with under-18s, where he’s made 12 outings and scored once.
Sixteen-year-old Jacob Devaney was also present for the first time this week. The defensive midfielder has been at United since he was six, playing at every academy age grade as he begins to realise his first-team ambitions. Devaney is Irish eligible, according to Academy Scoop.
United’s academy is renowned for producing talent and several young players have been given the opportunity to mix it with the big names at Carrington. Players are filtering back through the door following the international break with Bruno Fernandes among those at their training base rubbing shoulders with Baumann and Devaney.
Bendito Mantato is another academy star to be afforded some time training with the United first-team – he did so back in March as the club look to retain the 16-year-old’s services. Erik ten Hag hasn’t been afraid to throw a youngster into the fold, even if it is at the expense of a major name.
The Dutch coach has handed debuts to a host of academy graduates during his time as United boss. Among those are Charlie McNeill, Dan Gore, Willy Kambwala and Omari Forson. Kobbie Mainoo was only introduced this term and now he’s dislodging the likes of Casemiro as he becomes a mainstay.
His performances means he’s poised to be involved in England’s Euro 2024 squad with some suggesting he should even start. Alejandro Garnacho is another man to push on under Ten Hag, who admits chances will always be there despite United being active in the market.
He said: “Man United will always be a buying club but I think history proves it gives opportunities from the academy if a player deserves it. It’s in our DNA.
“We mentor them and when you give chances, they progress so quickly and bring the team to a higher level. I think we have others who can make the big steps that Kobbie and Garnacho have done in the last couple of months.”
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