“I’m impressed” – Mazraoui mesmerised by young Man Utd trio who are ready to break into Carrick’s plans

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Utd Report

·11 August 2026

“I’m impressed” – Mazraoui mesmerised by young Man Utd trio who are ready to break into Carrick’s plans

Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui foresees a bright future for three of his young teammates who are knocking on the first-team door.

The 28-year-old has recently joined the club’s summer camp following his post-World Cup vacation.

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While he and other senior members of the squad were absent, several young MUFC starlets had the opportunity to make an impression on Michael Carrick, but only three appear to be destined for first-team opportunities this season.

Nousair Mazraoui hails four Man Utd teenagers

In recent weeks, several reliable sources identified Shea Lacey and Tyler Fletcher as the most likely youngsters to be handed senior roles in the 2026/27 campaign, while others have added the other Fletcher twin, Jack, to the ‘untouchable’ list.

After arriving for the pre-season training camp in Dublin, Mazraoui opened up on his young Man Utd teammates while chatting with the press.

The Moroccan international appears primarily mesmerised by Lacey, who has been a regular starter in the club’s friendlies, while also lauding the two Fletchers.

“I’m impressed by Shea Lacey. He’s doing a good job,” said the former Ajax and Bayern Munich full-back as reported by the CentreDevils.

“Both Fletchers as well (Jack and Tyler), really impressed by them.

Noussair Mazraoui: “I think you see that Michael Carrick and the staff have clear ideas, not just this season, last season as well. I think they’re building it further. Of course, I’m just one week here but what I’ve seen in just one week is building on what we did last season
– Tuesday, 11 August 2026

Mazraoui then discussed 15-year-old JJ Gabriel, who made his first appearance with the first team in the win over Atletico Madrid 10 days ago, but isn’t expected to play a prominent role with the seniors this season.

The versatile defender insists the teenager possesses an unusual talent.

“Of course, at 15 years, if you make your debut – not officially yet – but JJ Gabriel, that’s also something not usual.

It’s good that a club like this, a big club, has Academy players coming up. I remember from my time when I was young and experiencing those moments [of coming away on pre-season trips].

“You see what the future can give you if you really get your chance and go for your chance, so I think that’s also a big motivation.”

Will Lacey & the Fletcher twins earn prominent playing at Man Utd?

Based on his recurring appearances in pre-season, Lacey can now be considered a fully-fledged senior player.

The signs were already there last season when he made his debut under Ruben Amorim, while Carrick fielded him on the final day of the campaign against Brighton.

The Liverpool native is originally a right winger, but he’s been covering as an attacking midfielder this summer.

With the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Mason Mount deployed in various roles on the pitch, there could be room for Lacey, especially in the Carabao Cup.

As for the Fletchers, the more attacking Jack appeared to be ahead in the pecking order during Amorim’s reign, but the roles were swapped under Carrick, who prefers the more composed Tyler.

Therefore, Tyler is expected to collect more minutes than his sibling, but Jack remains a great prospect in his own right. Nevertheless, both of them will be affected by Man Utd’s transfer plans in the coming weeks, and whether a new midfielder arrives at Carrington.