Exciting time for the academy ?

daba

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Looks like Omari Forson and Willy Kambwala are being phased into the squad now. One of the few advantages of having a first team thats mediocre is that youngsters can see a clear path to first-team football.
I don’t watch much youth football myself but the general noise I hear from others that do is that they don’t think Forson is quite of the level we need. If that’s the case I hope we get him a decent loan in the Championship and try and make some money from him, not the pennies we’ve got from Laird, Iqbal and now Hansen-Aaeron.
 

AjaxCunian

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Feel like there are some very bright talents coming through, have quite high hopes for Kambwala, Amass, Ibragimov, Lacey, Jack Fletcher.

Gore and Shoretire I fear they might not make it due to the competition/physique.
 

TheReligion

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Feel like there are some very bright talents coming through, have quite high hopes for Kambwala, Amass, Ibragimov, Lacey, Jack Fletcher.

Gore and Shoretire I fear they might not make it due to the competition/physique.
Not sure what you have seen of Gore but he’s quite tenacious and gets stuck in. Don’t believe his physique is a problem given how he applies himself.
 

Revaulx

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Not sure what you have seen of Gore but he’s quite tenacious and gets stuck in. Don’t believe his physique is a problem given how he applies himself.
Shoretire doesn’t seem to have kicked on at all, sadly. It’s three years now since he made his first team debut.

I don’t see any problems at all with Gore’s physicality. He looks (and is) a tough little sod :)
 

AjaxCunian

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Not sure what you have seen of Gore but he’s quite tenacious and gets stuck in. Don’t believe his physique is a problem given how he applies himself.
Competition applied more to him, he would play largely the same role as Mainoo. I don't think hs as physically imposing as Mainoo is though tenacious. Shoretire is also quite tenacious to be fair.
 

horsechoker

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I'm not sure why people are saying ETH hasn't given chances to youth, is he supposed to play with an XI of academy products?

That's a once in a generation thing for maybe one club at a time.
 

AjaxCunian

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Our academy really is the bollocks. No other club is like this, we should be very proud. I know I am.
I feel like other clubs produce similar talents, but few believe in the youth as much as United does. Their mentality and desire to succeed for United also seems top.

Maybe it's because we have been crap for a good 10 years, but it's great to see.
 

TheReligion

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Competition applied more to him, he would play largely the same role as Mainoo. I don't think hs as physically imposing as Mainoo is though tenacious. Shoretire is also quite tenacious to be fair.
Nah he played with Mainoo at youth level remember. They work well as a pair.

Both Mainoo and Gore could still have growing to do but if I’m honest I don’t have much concern over either. They are both technically solid too.
 

TheReligion

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Shoretire doesn’t seem to have kicked on at all, sadly. It’s three years now since he made his first team debut.

I don’t see any problems at all with Gore’s physicality. He looks (and is) a tough little sod :)
Yeah I think he looks ideal for the PL personally.
 

AjaxCunian

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Nah he played with Mainoo at youth level remember. They work well as a pair.

Both Mainoo and Gore could still have growing to do but if I’m honest I don’t have much concern over either. They are both technically solid too.
They do, but that's at youth level. Especially under EtH I can't see them playing together. There will be one DM, Mainoo, and an attacking/creative 8 in Bruno/Mount or a different player of the same type.
 

TheReligion

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They do, but that's at youth level. Especially under EtH I can't see them playing together. There will be one DM, Mainoo, and an attacking/creative 8 in Bruno/Mount or a different player of the same type.
We’ve seen Mainoo picking up the 6/8 roles and Gore is quite rounded too.

With Casemiro on the way out in the next 2 years along with Eriksen there’s clear pathways for Gore in my opinion.
 

Borninthe80ts

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I’m glad the narrative that chances wouldn’t be given to youngsters has been put to bed. We have a large group who play football the way the manager is looking to do and I feel some will be given a chance before the end of the season.
While others are looking for major investment in the squad I’m the opposite. 3 players in the right position and fill the squad with those youth players displaying hunger.
 

AjaxCunian

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We’ve seen Mainoo picking up the 6/8 roles and Gore is quite rounded too.

With Casemiro on the way out in the next 2 years along with Eriksen there’s clear pathways for Gore in my opinion.
Doesn't basically every top team play with a DM, Mainoo can do a job there but he is not a DM. But ofcourse Gore could grow to be a good squad player, a bit like early years Cleverley (not a dig at all).

But a lack of chances will not be good for him, hence why he is on quite a poor loan in my view. Which is below his talent.
 

Rood

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great seeing Garnacho, Mainoo coming through and 3 academy players scored last night

but have we ever had such a mass clear out of Academy players as this season? lost count of how many have left since the summer, seems to be a new policy to only keep the elite talent and the rest get shipped out with buy back/sell on clauses
 

bosskeano

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this kid is going to save us a shit ton of money that we will be able to invest elsewhere...more importantly he plays one of the most difficult and vital positions on the pitch
 

OleGunnar20

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I’m glad the narrative that chances wouldn’t be given to youngsters has been put to bed. We have a large group who play football the way the manager is looking to do and I feel some will be given a chance before the end of the season.
While others are looking for major investment in the squad I’m the opposite. 3 players in the right position and fill the squad with those youth players displaying hunger.
1000% this. Spending large sums on the likes of DVB and Mount (jury still out I suppose) as rotation options is very bad business. Let the youngsters fill those roles and spend big on difference makers who'll slot right in. The market is inflated and I think a focus on cheap youth gambles ala Pellistri, academy and big ticket signings to raise the squad level is a better way to go about it.

On Gore - I like the look of him. Very tenacious and looks well rounded for his age. I don't think the Cleverley comparison is a bad one but think he has a higher ceiling. His tenacity if he holds onto it in the senior game would be a big asset.
 

TheReligion

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Doesn't basically every top team play with a DM, Mainoo can do a job there but he is not a DM. But ofcourse Gore could grow to be a good squad player, a bit like early years Cleverley (not a dig at all).

But a lack of chances will not be good for him, hence why he is on quite a poor loan in my view. Which is below his talent.
That’s the point though. There won’t be a lack of chances. Casemiro and Eriksen will leave gaps (even Mctominay) so the midfield area is ripe with opportunity in my opinion.
 

AltiUn

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Feel like there are some very bright talents coming through, have quite high hopes for Kambwala, Amass, Ibragimov, Lacey, Jack Fletcher.

Gore and Shoretire I fear they might not make it due to the competition/physique.
Gore's physique is surprisingly one of his best attributes, his low centre of gravity makes him an excellent dribbler.
 

AltiUn

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Competition applied more to him, he would play largely the same role as Mainoo. I don't think hs as physically imposing as Mainoo is though tenacious. Shoretire is also quite tenacious to be fair.
They don't play the same role, they can play in the same midfield and have done to great success at youth level.
 

Borninthe80ts

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1000% this. Spending large sums on the likes of DVB and Mount (jury still out I suppose) as rotation options is very bad business. Let the youngsters fill those roles and spend big on difference makers who'll slot right in. The market is inflated and I think a focus on cheap youth gambles ala Pellistri, academy and big ticket signings to raise the squad level is a better way to go about it.

On Gore - I like the look of him. Very tenacious and looks well rounded for his age. I don't think the Cleverley comparison is a bad one but think he has a higher ceiling. His tenacity if he holds onto it in the senior game would be a big asset.
It’s nice to see there’s another on the youth movement bandwagon! I think with the talk coming from the new owners and rumours, that I don’t normally listen too, but they paint a positive picture. I’m not one for criticising every transfer as I still think we have brought some good players that just didn’t work but now it appears there might be purchases with intent and a culture set. I agree punts like Pellestri are worth it as they will probably make us a profit if managed correctly.


I think back to most of our best sides and it’s been a combo of young players with something to prove and experienced players in key positions that can help their growth. I can see the bones of that in the last 2 seasons but there has to be sustained progress and the next step taken.

Gore can definitely be a part of this new group. He and Mainoo do have great chemistry already.
 

sglowrider

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Shoretire doesn’t seem to have kicked on at all, sadly. It’s three years now since he made his first team debut.

I don’t see any problems at all with Gore’s physicality. He looks (and is) a tough little sod :)
Anyone has any idea why shoretire hasn't not kick on?
 

dutchred

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They don't play the same role, they can play in the same midfield and have done to great success at youth level.
I think a midfield of Mainoo Gore and Amad could work (in a couple of years). Need to either keep Casemiro ( or get an experienced replacement) to help them along
 

lysglimt

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Gore's physique is surprisingly one of his best attributes, his low centre of gravity makes him an excellent dribbler.
I think we can safely put away all fears that Gore will shy away from a tackle - he might get sent off a few times - but he will fly into those tackles 100%
 

Scholsey2004

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Anyone has any idea why shoretire hasn't not kick on?
I dont think its through any particular failing, just that he's maybe not quite good enough. Doing well at youth level typically just means theyre good enough to play as a professional. What the coaches and in the knows say is more important than how they seem to perform to us as spectators.
 

Scholsey2004

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It’s nice to see there’s another on the youth movement bandwagon! I think with the talk coming from the new owners and rumours, that I don’t normally listen too, but they paint a positive picture. I’m not one for criticising every transfer as I still think we have brought some good players that just didn’t work but now it appears there might be purchases with intent and a culture set. I agree punts like Pellestri are worth it as they will probably make us a profit if managed correctly.


I think back to most of our best sides and it’s been a combo of young players with something to prove and experienced players in key positions that can help their growth. I can see the bones of that in the last 2 seasons but there has to be sustained progress and the next step taken.

Gore can definitely be a part of this new group. He and Mainoo do have great chemistry already.
The other good thing about signing some highly rated players like Hannibal, Pellistri etc is that it pushes the lads already here to raise their level to compete as at the end of the day theres a finite number of youngsters you can integrate into the senior set up at a time.
 

wolvored

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Not sure what you have seen of Gore but he’s quite tenacious and gets stuck in. Don’t believe his physique is a problem given how he applies himself.
Gore in the games I have seen him play reminds me of McGinn for the Villa.
 

wolvored

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The thing is with youth players is it doesnt matter how good they are in the youth there is a big step up to any first team and some cant make it. Dave Jones, John Curtis and Chris Eagles all were tipped as the next superstar kid and none made it here, or anywhere else really.
 

Scholsey2004

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The thing is with youth players is it doesnt matter how good they are in the youth there is a big step up to any first team and some cant make it. Dave Jones, John Curtis and Chris Eagles all were tipped as the next superstar kid and none made it here, or anywhere else really.
Yeah, totally agree. Enjoy the youth games but take the performances with a pinch of salt as looking fantastic against kids who predominantly wont ever make it in the top 2 leagues isnt a good barometer. Listen to the buzz around the people at the club and in their proxomity, thats a far better gauge as these are the people the coaching staff are talking to, not us or the media.
 

Borninthe80ts

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The other good thing about signing some highly rated players like Hannibal, Pellistri etc is that it pushes the lads already here to raise their level to compete as at the end of the day theres a finite number of youngsters you can integrate into the senior set up at a time.
Yeah I definitely think the overall level of the academy has risen in the last 5 years since we started to sign players like Garnacho and Fernandez to Amass and the Fletchers now. Ultimately we want them to be first team worthy but if not they improve the levels of their respective teams.
 

Abraxas

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It's very, very hard to tell until they play at least a handfufull matches for the first time, so I wouldn't be quick to make a sweeping judgement on the overall academy producing multiple players from the current batch. Then the smoke clears a bit and you get a reasonable idea of where their career could be. Not exactly an idea of their upper limit, but you can tell if we're talking about United quality.

For example with Mainoo it's fairly clear he should be in a United squad for years to come, unless something goes drastically wrong with injury or his focus. Don't know his end potential but being conservative it seems clear he should be around the squad.

But with Kambwala he's coming in and played a game of football. Can't really tell anything from it, anyone can have a good game. Same for the rest of the youth, many have looked world beaters at that level.

But to me if you can produce a player for your squad once a year, that would be an amazing result. It's not easy even to even produce at that output.