The youth revolution at Manchester United is in full swing as they structure their academy setup for the upcoming season.
Some youngsters will be promoted to the senior team, some will step up to the U21s while the U18s will get new scholars as their seniors sign professional deals.
The list of players with professional deals is already growing, with the likes of Jack Kingdon, Ashton Missin, and more signing their first professional contract.
They have now been followed by another youngster who impressed last season as the U18s romped to the league title.
Jacob Devaney signs professional contract
The Yorkshire-born midfielder has risen through the ranks at United after joining the club as a kid. The 17-year-old made 23 appearances for the U18s last season and contributed four assists.
He made a great case for signing professional terms and his aim for this season would be to continue his great form for the U18s while aiming for more regular appearances with the U21s.
Upon signing the first professional contract of his career, Devaney took to Instagram to send a message. He wrote: “Proud moment for me and my family to sign my first professional contract for my boyhood club [Manchester United].
His teammates of last season with whom he won the treble at his age group were full of appreciation for Devaney. The likes of Shea Lacey, Amir Ibragimov, Tyler Fletcher, and Malachi Sharpe gave their congratulations to the player.
Harry Amass, who is expected to break through into the senior team this season said, “Well done bro”, while fellow contract signee Jack Kingdon also congratulated him.
An exciting crop of youngsters
United U18s won three trophies last season, with the crown jewel being the league title they achieved while losing just two of their 24 games.
It was a thrilling season of attacking football which gave rise to talents like Ethan Wheatley, Ethan Williams, and more. United have been quick to tie up most of that crop of players as they promise an exciting future.
The pre-season will be a crucial time for these players to separate themselves from the pack and potentially earn a breakthrough the kind which Kobbie Mainoo managed last season.
Devaney is expected to continue with the U18s, however, but a similar campaign as last year along with him turning 18 will definitely see him get promoted to the U21s at least.
United are targeting midfielders in this window so the path to the senior team won’t get any easier but that’s a part of succeeding at United, one which Devaney and his batch will be fully aware of.