Manchester United academy squad set for pre-season exposure ahead of 2026-27 campaign
A group of academy players, including JJ Gabriel and Radek Vitek, are tipped to feature in the first team's tour to Finland, with performance levels expected to dictate future pathways.
Manchester United manager Adam Lawrence has indicated that a significant number of academy players are expected to feature in the first team's pre-season tour. The squad is scheduled to depart for Helsinki on 18 July to play Wrexham, with a potential match against Norwegian side Rosenborg on 24 July. This rotation of senior players creates a unique window for youth prospects to gain exposure ahead of the 2026-27 season.
The availability of these young players stems from the fact that the tour begins the day before the World Cup final. Consequently, senior players committed to the tournament, such as Luke Shaw and Mason Mount, will not be included in the Finland squad. Additionally, those currently on loan are absent, leaving a void for the academy to fill. Lawrence confirmed that while specific pathway decisions have not yet been finalised, performance levels during this period will be the primary determinant for first-team involvement.
Among the prospects tipped for inclusion are Shea Lacey, JJ Gabriel, Radek Vitek, Chido Obi, Tyler Fletcher, Jack Fletcher, Jim Thwaites, Godwill Kukonki, Bendito Mantato, and Noah Ajayi. Lawrence noted that players like Vitek and Obi are likely to start the season at Old Trafford before further discussions regarding their future take place. Vitek, who recently signed a new contract until 2028, is expected to remain at the club for the initial phase of pre-season given the unavailability of his Belgium teammate Senne Lammens.
Special attention is being paid to JJ Gabriel, the 15-year-old star of the under-18 team. Gabriel has trained regularly with the first team this season and is monitored closely due to age-related rules. Although final pathway decisions are pending, his consistent presence with the senior group suggests he is on the radar for increased involvement. Meanwhile, Jack Fletcher is expected to receive more senior exposure following a previous disciplinary sanction, having been forgiven for a six-match ban regarding a homophobic slur.
Other key figures in the squad include Tyler Fletcher, who has been on the first team bench on 11 occasions and is certain to push on next season. Jim Thwaites, an 18-year-old capable of curling free-kicks, has also trained regularly with the senior squad. However, the inclusion of Bendito Mantato remains uncertain as the 18-year-old is currently injured, which may affect his immediate availability for the tour.
Lawrence emphasised that the club will sit down at the end of the season and the start of the next to look at individual pathways. He stated that if performance levels during this pre-season window deserve it, players will be involved with the first team. The manager added that in a World Cup year, there might be even more players going with the first team, making this tour a critical proving ground for the academy's future.
