Not only JJ Gabriel – ‘New Scholes’ set for senior Man Utd debut as Carrick decides to keep him | OneFootball

Manchester United teenager Jim Thwaites could become the next academy product to make his senior bow.

The Red Devils are currently working on plugging the holes in their first-team squad, especially in the middle of the park, which suffered the departure of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte’s long-term injury.

United have already signed Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. But while most observers were initially expecting the arrival of a third new midfielder, the club could end up resorting to internal solutions.

Jim Thwaites will play a hybrid role between Man Utd squads

If Man Utd opt against adding another midfielder, Mason Mount has been identified as a makeshift alternative.

The 27-year-old is originally an attacking midfielder, but he’s been thriving in a deeper role in his pre-season outings alongside Santos in the double pivot, especially in last Saturday’s 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid.

Nevertheless, this solution would leave Michael Carrick with limited first-team options, which could open the door for young players to earn some playing time among the seniors.

Tyler Fletcher has been identified as the main beneficiary, having already made an impression on the 44-year-old head coach. His twin brother, Jack, isn’t far behind him in the order.

But according to The Sun journalists Samuel Luckhurst and Katherine Walsh, Thwaites could be added to this list as well.

The 18-year-old has established himself as one of the most exciting players at Carrington due to his immense promise and captivating playing style.

While some of his fellow youngsters are set to leave the club on loan, Thwaites has been handpicked by Carrick to stay at Carrington.

The source expects the teenager to play a dual role at the club, similar to the Fletcher brothers last season, when they split their time between playing for Man Utd U21 and training with the first team.

Why there could be room for Thwaites with Carrick’s squad

Last season, the Fletchers and Shea Lacey only made a handful of appearances with the seniors, but that was due to the unusually short 40-match schedule.

But with United stretching their campaign to potentially 60 matches, there will be more room for young players this term, including JJ Gabriel and Thwaites, who could both be set to make their senior debuts in competitive matches, having already played in friendlies.

While Gabriel has to be one of the most documented teenagers in the world, Thwaites has been somewhat under the radar, even though those who follow United’s academy have been enthralled by the midfielder’s exploits.

In recent days, a circulating montage of Thwaites on social media gave Man Utd fans Paul Scholes flashbacks.

While comparing the youngster with one of the greatest players in the club’s history remains highly premature at this stage, the 18-year-old will be hoping to get a fair chance to prove his worth as early as possible.

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