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Manchester United’s travelling squad for the Ireland camp has seen Jim Thwaites get a chance, but it’s his fellow wonderkid whose inclusion is a bigger confidence booster.
Ever since Michael Carrick started his job at Old Trafford, he has been a huge and visible champion of the academy, which also houses his son, Jacey Carrick.
Among an exciting crop, Jim Thwaites has long stood out as one to watch out for, even catching Ruben Amorim’s eye during the post-season tour last season.
Therefore, his inclusion is a just reward for his rise, but it’s his teammate’s inclusion that is the bigger story.
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Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images Yuel Helafu catches Michael Carrick’s eye
As soon as Diogo Dalot’s name was absent from Man Utd’s travelling squad for Ireland, the space opened up for a right-back.
Jaydan Kamason recently signed an extension, while Habeeb Ogunneye is the more experienced option, having played out the first half of the season on loan at Newport County.
However, when the time came to choose a replacement for Dalot, 17-year-old Yuel Helafu leapfrogged both of them.
Helafu has started turning heads with his brilliant tactical displays for the academy and shows shades of Noussair Mazraoui in his game.
He has trained with the first team on a number of occasions, but hasn’t made the matchday squad yet.
His inclusion ahead of Ogunneye and Kamason is a huge stamp of approval from Carrick, and Helafu has a golden opportunity to vindicate his manager’s bold decision.
Victor Musa rounds up trio of youngsters
Another new name in the travelling squad is that of Victor Musa, but that has probably more to do with the squad dynamics than anything else.
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Musa has been a prolific scorer for the academy, but has struggled with the step up to the U21s.
Man Utd U21s play against Real Madrid at Old Trafford in the PL International Cup during this camp, so the likes of Chido Obi and Shea Lacey have stayed back at Carrington.
It’s likely that Musa wouldn’t have been called up had United’s U21s not been in action in a marquee game during the camp.
Nonetheless, it’s a great learning experience for Musa, whose footballing career likely lies away from Old Trafford, at least in the immediate future.
The same can’t be said for Thwaites and Helafu, with the latter’s stock shooting up after this call-up.
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