Man Utd youth deepdive: Here are 10 Academy starlets ready to shine under Carrick

Michael Carrick says youth players are fundamental to Manchester United and these starlets have the best chance of shining next season.

Several talented youngsters are expected to spend pre-season with the first team as they try and convince the coach that they deserve a chance.

They will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of Ayden Heaven who showed his worth over the past season at the back for United.

Coming in when other centre-halves have been injured he has shown he his technical and physical strength. He is continuing to also improve his positional and tactical game with the quality around him.

United have also followed a policy of loaning out players to allow them to gain first-team experience which appears to be an option for some youngsters like Chido Obi. It has worked well in the past and probably the bet example was David Beckham who was loaned to Preston for part of the 1994-95 season.

The Denmark Under-21 international striker had a rapid rise after arriving at Carrington and played eight games in the season before last.

During the last campaign his options were limited partly due to the early exit in cup competitions and he did not make an appearence.

He is still widely regarded as one of the most exciting young forwards in English football but is a strong contender to be loaned out next season.

Obi played an important part in helping United U18s to the final of the Youth Cup and scored valuable goals during the Premier League 2 campaign.

The winger with a deadly left foot has already shown glimpses of his talent in the first-team and will be pushing on the door again during the preseason.

He signed his first professional contract with United at the age of 17 in April 2024 and was named in the senior squad for the first time on November 24, 2025, against Everton.

Due to a lack of options in attack under Ruben Amorim's system he saw a flurry of chances including his debut in the 2-1 loss to Aston Villa on December 21 last year when he came on for Leny Yoro late on.

He showed his rawness as he was sent off for a second yellow card against Brighton on January 11 but finished the season brightly - coming on in the 62nd minute against the same team on May 24.

The 15-year-old has captured most headlines playing for the U18s and finished top scorer in the youth league.

His speed and balance set him apart from other players at the same age and the only factor holding him back at the moment is his slim frame.

He has trained regularly with the first team and due to age rules - he was 14 at the start of last season - he was unable to be called up to the senior matchday squad.

The 22-year-old, who was given a new United contract last July until 2028, had an outstanding campaign on loan at Bristol City. The big question is what happens now?

Vitek has made it clear in interviews that his overriding priority is to play but the chances of him ousting Senne Lammens as Manchester United's first choice appear slim.

There is a strong chance Vitek will remain at Old Trafford for the first part of pre-season before further discussions take place over his pathway.

Many felt Amass was unfortunate to be loaned out to Sheffield Wednesday to clear a space for Paraguay youngster Diego Leon.

However, Amass excelled, to the extent Norwich City wanted him in January to aid their push for a Championship play-off spot.

Sadly for Amass, he suffered a season-ending hamstring injury after a single appearance for the Canaries but he will be fully fit for the new campaign.

Another huge talent, Jim Thwaites was named on the senior side's bench for the first time at Chelsea in April.

Before that he went to Maynooth for United's four-day training camp during a large gap in the calendar without matches.

An attacking midfielder he has been used in deeper roles at under-18 level, which allows him to dictate games.

He has also shown himself to be adept at curling free-kicks, which have earned comparisons to David Beckham. Thwaites went on United's post-season tour of Asia 12 months ago and had trained regularly with the senior squad.

Creative midfielder Jack Fletcher also enjoyed an impressive campaign at academy level. His vision, passing range and maturity on the ball have made him one of the standout performers in United's youth ranks,

Fletcher's also has an eye for goal as he showed with a clinical finish in the victory over Sunderland at Leigh in April.

He made his first-team debut last December and he will be hoping to make the step up over the coming months.

Midfielder Jack Moorhouse has enhanced his reputation with composed displays for the youth.

Comfortable in possession and capable of driving the team forward, he offers versatility across midfield and would benefit from increased involvement during pre-season.

Defender Godwill Kukonki is a commanding centre-back who has progressed rapidly through the academy and is regarded as one of the best young defenders at Carrington.

His strength and size are particularly potent weapons and he has been a key player fluctuating between the U18 and U21 sides during the past season.

Technical quality and energy have seen Tyler Fletcher catch the eye in the U21s.

The midfielder continues to develop well and will be looking to make an impression if given the chance alongside the senior squad.

Tyler was crowned United's Under-21 player of the year, receiving the award just before the first team played Nottingham Forest in their final home game.

And after just two senior substitute appearances, totalling 17 minutes, 16 of which came on the final day of the Premier League season at Brighton, Tyler, 19, got the World Cup call from Scotland.