Carrick has picked two academy starlets for their senior debut vs Brighton | OneFootball

After assuring themselves of a third-place Premier League finish following their win over Nottingham Forest last week, Manchester United are expected to ring in the changes for their final league game of the season.

Brighton and Hove Albion lie in wait next Sunday, and Michael Carrick is expected to turn to the academy for the last match of the season.

Plans for more academy representation in the matchday squad for the clash against Forest were hindered due to the U21 play-off game against Brighton taking place the day before the final home game of the season.

The head coach has been an ardent viewer of both Under-21 and Under-18 games this season, and it seems next Sunday’s contest at the Amex Stadium will finally see Carrick turn to the club’s famed academy.

Carrick considering handing a couple of debuts on Sunday

As revealed by The Daily Mail, the former United midfielder has two wonderkids in mind for handing their senior debuts: Jim Thwaites and Godwill Kukonki.

The duo had combined to score United’s only goal in their heartbreaking loss to Manchester City in the FA Youth Cup final last week.

With the Red Devils on the hunt for a midfielder and versatile defender in the summer, both these starlets have the perfect chance to make a huge impression and possibly, changing INEOS’ minds.

The 18-year-old midfielder has been a class apart for both the U18s and U21s this season, impressing with his passing range and his mastery over the dead ball.

Why Thwaites and Kukonki are perfect for United

He has five goals and eight assists this season, including the brilliant Youth Cup final assist. Carrick had picked him on the bench for the Premier League clash against Chelsea.

As for the defender, he has been a regular part of first team training under both Ruben Amorim and Carrick.

Capable of playing both as a centre-back and left-back, the 18-year-old’s impressive physical attributes make him perfectly suited for first team football.

Fans would also like to see Shea Lacey in action after a brilliant academy season, but Carrick will also want to sign off with a win and might avoid too many changes to the starting XI.

Feature image James Fearn via Getty Images

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