Jacob Devaney: The next Man United starlet waiting in the wings

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The Peoples Person

·25 de abril de 2026

Jacob Devaney: The next Man United starlet waiting in the wings

Manchester United need to strengthen their midfield options this summer.

With Casemiro leaving and Manuel Ugarte’s future also looking increasingly likely to be away from Old Trafford, Kobbie Mainoo is the only central midfielder with a certain future, as he is on the cusp of signing a new deal.

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Huge names such as Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali and Aurélien Tchouaméni have been linked with a move to the club. It has also been reported that United may need up to three midfielders but only plan to buy two, with the idea of promoting one from the youth team very much in mind.

They should look no further than Jacob Devaney. The Irishman is currently on loan at St Mirren, and despite the talents of Jack Moorhouse and Jim Thwaites, he is the best placed to step into the senior squad.

Fantastic loan

Devaney has stepped into the first team at Scottish Premiership side St Mirren and has looked totally at home.

The 18-year-old joined in January and has been part of a successful side, one of the top-performing ones in Scotland. They took Celtic to extra time in the Scottish Cup semi-final and have also had some impressive results with Devaney.

He particularly stood out with a magnificent display in his side’s unlucky 0-1 defeat at Celtic Park earlier this month.

Devaney has played 11 times in total and scored one goal for his side.

His growing importance in the team can be seen in the fact that he has played 90 minutes in three of the last four matches.

Mentality

Former St Mirren boss, Stephen Robinson, spoke on Devaney’s mental strength by claiming, “I don’t usually take first loans but he’s such a mature young man.”

The young midfielder was also captain of the under-21 side before leaving for senior football on loan in the winter.

He has also impressed for his country, putting in a highly praised shift against England under-21s in November last year.

Skillset

Not only has he shown that he can handle senior football and a first-team dressing room, he also possesses the skillset.

He has been described as a player on the ball who “effortlessly demonstrates the competence and composure so common among top academy graduates.”

His mobility has also been impressive, and he has consistently demonstrated his ability to get himself around the pitch. This is something the current United midfield lacks in abundance and will need to be addressed this summer.

Final thoughts

Devaney is still a developing player and is certainly not the finished article. He will need time to reach his full potential and may even need another senior loan in the future.

Nonetheless, if United are going to take a chance on one of their youth team midfielders, Devaney stands head and shoulders above the rest.