Midfield technician Jim Thwaites continues his rapid ascent, showcasing elite set-piece mastery and tactical poise to earn international honors while catching the eye of first-team coaching staff.
Despite the struggles of Manchester United's first team, the academy sides have been going from strength to strength in recent years.
The news regarding JJ Gabriel may have stolen the headlines across world football, and some fans who may not be fully aware of the talent in the academy may see it as a negative.
The highly-rated German winger Noah Ajayi recently put pen to paper on a long-term professional contract amidst interest from Bayern Munich.
To join the already talented squads in the U18s and U21s, the club has secured Tynan Thompson in the summer and, most recently, the likes of Karim Cassim and David Eze from Manchester City and Isaac Konde from Liverpool.
Thwaites makes England U20 debut
Jim Thwaites has been one of the most highly rated youngsters across all age groups in the academy system. The 18-year-old midfielder dominates games and dictates the tempo of games despite his small stature compared to more physical players in his age group.
One defining attribute that even those who are not regular academy viewers have seen clips of on social media is his ability on set pieces. Most notably, the accuracy of his free kicks.
The Englishman featured in the club's first UEFA Youth League game of the season, where he picked up two assists against Sabah.
His fine form from last season and the start of this season with Manchester United has recently earned him a call-up to the England U20s for the first time. Thwaites also made his debut as a substitute against France in the 77th minute.
In the same game, Ayden Heaven and Shea Lacey both started, as well as Jack Fletcher, who also made a substitute appearance.
Academy will always provide for United
Throughout the illustrious history of Manchester United in both the good and bad times, the academy has been at the very forefront of each side.
Even in the current eleven, both Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford have been starters, with Shea Lacey most recently announcing himself on the world stage with the brilliant goal against Brighton.
With both Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazroui picking up knocks in the international break, and Luke Shaw's injury history well-known, it could be that the likes of Harry Amass, who was close to a move away in the summer, could have the opportunity to fill in and receive the opportunity to impress.
As for Thwaites, it is well known how highly rated he is amongst the senior side's coaching staff, so it would not be surprising if at some point this season he made his debut.
