Manchester United’s U21 side beat Notts County on Tuesday night, and Jacob Devaney was once again among the best players on the pitch.
Taking on one of the best League Two teams at the moment promised to be an excellent test for Manchester United’s U21 side, looking to bounce back from a 4-0 defeat in the league.
It was a competitive game, but United’s quality shone through as Shea Lacey scored a brilliant goal thanks to Chido Obi’s assist, the 18-year-old’s first against senior opposition as his rise continues.
United claimed a 2-0 victory over Notts, and the second goal was the pick of the bunch from the Republic of Ireland youngster Jacob Devaney, who has been quietly having a very impressive campaign.
Jacob Devaney shines for Manchester United U21 vs Notts County
Devaney is back in the midfield this season, having gained significant defensive quality and experience from playing as a centre-back over the past year, and he’s been so impressive in the middle of the park.
However, against Notts County, Devaney not only excelled in the defensive midfield role but also in terms of going forward.
Devaney scored one of the goals of the season to make it 2-0 to United in the EFL Trophy, picking up the ball deep in his own half, carrying with a powerful run, riding challenges almost the length of the pitch before finding the bottom corner.
Devaney vs Notts County
90 minutes
1 goal
50/54 passes
73 touches
1/1 dribbles
1/2 tackles won
4/9 ground duels won
This all-action performance from Devaney showcased that he really has it all for United, being very rounded in midfield and potentially having the traits needed to succeed in first-team football.
United currently have defensive midfield vacancies with Manuel Ugarte not up to scratch, and Devaney could potentially offer more than the Uruguayan right now, with better on-ball qualities, which Ruben Amorim has been lacking.
Devaney has been eyed up by other Premier League clubs, and so United should be looking to promote the underrated midfielder before he gets offered a bigger role elsewhere. Amorim has already had Devaney in first-team training this season and clearly is aware of his ability.
Jacob Devaney reacts to his goal on Instagram
Despite not being the biggest academy name or the most fancy, Devaney is the most consistent performer and hardest working player at the club right now, and the rewards are coming.
After scoring this brilliant goal, which will only deepen comparisons between Devaney and Declan Rice, the United U21 skipper took to Instagram with a message.
“Great win last night, even better to top it off with a goal”, Devaney wrote with a smiling emoji.
In the comments, Gabriele Biancheri compared him with Lionel Messi by posting a GIF of the Argentine dribbling through an entire team like Devaney did. Finley McAllister also commented with a train emoji, as his teammate really did demolish Notts with a steam train-like run.
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