Manchester United’s season might not have gone according to plan, at least in the league, but the youth development stories have been a bona fide success.
Young players like Tyler Fredricson, Ayden Heaven, Chido Obi, and Harry Amass have solidified their spots in the first squad despite a difficult season.
The best part of all of this is that Manchester United’s upcoming group of young players is just as talented—if not more so—and a 17-year-old “Next David Beckham” may be leading the way.
He is already exceptional, and he has advanced significantly during a season in which the U18s nearly won the championship in a close battle with Manchester City.
Jim Thwaites is a special talent
Jim Thwaites is a unique talent, but the group that follows Amass and Fredricson also includes fascinating talents like Shea Lacey, Amir Ibragimov, Samuel Lusale, and others.
This year was the 17-year-old’s debut with the U18s, and he has often demonstrated his incredible skill with the ball.
In the latest match between Manchester United U18s and Sunderland, he once again provided Albert Mills with an assist, which came from a set piece as expected.
Thwaites possesses a miraculous aptitude on set pieces, such as corners or free kicks, which reminds one of David Beckham’s skill with them.
This season, Thwaites has already scored five goals from free kicks and provided most of his assists from set pieces. He has become as reliable as a player can be in dead-ball situations.
However, Thwaites plays in center midfield, unlike Beckham, which will help him in the long run, particularly when he can make a strong case to replace Christian Eriksen next season.
Because of his already incredible technique and size, young players frequently fail to make an impression in the physically demanding Premier League.
With outstanding performances and a unique talent for set pieces, he has made an impression at the U18 level, and the next step should be done shortly.
Man Utd’s plans for Jim Thwaites next season
The fact that Thwaites has already been called up to the U21s squad a few times is evidence of how good he has impressed.
Since he is already proven to be too talented for the U18s level, the goal for next season should be to make him a regular member of the U21s setup.
Since he can provide five to six assists based just on his unique skill set at set pieces, loan interest in his services should be abundant as well.
To observe how he responds to the senior team step-up, United would be wise to keep him on the team, allow him to practice with the senior squad as they have occasionally done this season, and perhaps give him a few minutes to start.
At the very least, his set-piece delivery is already on par with that of David Beckham, who enthralled football fans worldwide with his crosses and free kicks.
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