Manchester United — The Theatre of Dreams Reborn

Few clubs in world football carry a youth legacy as rich as Manchester United. From the Busby Babes to the Class of ‘92, United’s identity has always been built on giving young players the platform to shine — not just as squad fillers, but as stars. That philosophy remains alive today, with Carrington still one of the most productive academies in Europe.

In recent years, we’ve seen a new wave of young Reds making their mark — fearless, technically gifted, and steeped in the club’s attacking DNA. Whether it’s academy graduates breaking through or teenage recruits from across Europe, Manchester United’s next generation looks more exciting than ever.

In this post, I’ll be highlighting some of the most promising young talents currently at Manchester United — players who could define the future at Old Trafford or become must-signs in your next Football Manager save. Expect flair, athleticism, and that unmistakable United confidence.

Quick note:
I don’t know their current or potential ability in Football Manager, so you’ll need to get your scouts to do the digging and find out who’s truly destined for greatness.

Whether you’re managing United yourself or simply hunting for wonderkids who embody that Old Trafford spirit, this group of youngsters is packed with potential.

Let’s dive into the next generation ready to light up the Theatre of Dreams

Goalkeepers

Elyh Harrison

19 year old English Goalkeeper Harrison, starts the season on loan at Shrewsbury but already has won plaudits, A ball playing Goalkeeper could potentially be a first team player in the future. Dean Henderson enjoyed a successful loan at Shrewsbury before he came to prominence at Sheffield United. Can you repeat the same with Harrison?

Charlie Hardy

16 year old English Goalkeeper, A recent signing from Derby. There are high expectations for Hardy within the club. He will still need development and time. But one to watch on your save.

Defenders

Godwill Kukoni

17 year old English centre back Kukoni, Is a tall, strong, left footed Centre back. He is good on the ball, progressing the ball well either by carrying or passing it. If you continue with Amorim’s back 3 he could be a long term option at LCB.

Jayden Ngwashi

Wouldn’t it be great to have two long term centre back prospects in the youth team? A right footed mobile Centre back to partner Kukoni? Say hello to Ngwashi!
A 16 year old English Centre back, who is dual footed but favours the right.

Reece Munro

18 year old English Centre back Munro, Who made the tour squad in pre season, an U18’s captain is more developed than the previous two mentioned. A mobile Centre Back who should be able to offer squad depth straight away to cover any injury crisis, with a long term eye on being squad depth should you look to move on players like Harry Maguire and want to save money on replacing him.

Diego Leon

A summer signing, Leon is a powerful mobile, Left Wing back. He should be able to cover Dorgu and Shaw in the first season and after that provide competition for Dorgu long term. A raw player with great physical attributes but will need to work on his technical.

Jaydan Kamason

18 year old Right Wing Back Kamason is your modern day wing back, mobile ball carrier who has the stamina and pace to get up and down the flank. He is a hard worker on and off the ball. A long term option for RWB should you require.

Midfielders

Jim Thwaites

Jim Thwaites, The star in our thumbnail. 17 year old English Centre Midfielder, Who’s ball delivery is amazing for a 17 year old. Freekicks and corners are where he thrives. But even in open play his passing and crossing will be a brilliant asset to your team.

Jack Fletcher

18 year old Jack Fletcher, one Son of United legend Darren Fletcher’s twin sons. Jack is an attacking midfielder with great technique and passing ability. Could be an instant depth option should Mount be injury prone on FM26.

Tyler Fletcher

Tyler is the other twin son. Tyler is much more a defensive midfielder, Hardworking tackler. Ever wanted to manage two brothers, even twins in the same team here is your chance.

Jayce Fitzgerald

18 year old English Central midfielder is great on and off the ball. A technical progressor of the ball. One to look at bringing into the squad

Jay McEvoy

16 year old Irish dual footed midfielder, Can play throughout the centre of the pitch, defensive midfield, centre midfield or attacking midfield. He could become a really useful squad player.

Attackers

Bendito Mantato

17 year old English right sided left footed attacker could become a great option out wide for your attack. He is a quick dribbler with pace to burn. If you develop his technical attributes he could become a real asset for the squad

Amir ibragimov

Amir is a 17 year old English attacking midfielder. Born in Russia he is a player who thrives either off the left cutting in on his right foot or off the striker as a central option in attack. Dual footed he could be a great asset to your attack long term.

Shea Lacey

18 year old English attacker Lacey, Has been a highly rated youngster at United for many years but his injuries have halted his progression through the teams but not his development. A talented flair player with technique and pace, he could be a real asset to your team. Already a constant presence in United Senior team training sessions, its a matter of when not if he gets his chance. Will you give him a chance on FM26?

Gabriele Biancheri

18 year old Welsh striker, Formerly of Cardiff City, Is a well rounded striker, Good finishing and good both on and off the ball. He also qualifies for both Canada and Italian national teams.