Before Harry Amass: Look back at the last 5 Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year winners

Manchester United have always placed a strong emphasis on developing and nurturing young talent in their academy.

United reward one young star with the Young Player of the Year award, renamed the Jimmy Murphy Award in 1989 following his passing.

Few of the most notable recipients of this award are legendary Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Phil Neville.

Harry Amass joined this elite list on Thursday after being recognised with the award for the 2024–25 season.

Here we look at five previous winners of the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award and where they are now.

2019/20: Anthony Elanga

Anthony Elanga joined Man United in 2014 and rose through the youth ranks to make his senior debut in 2021 under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Although his first-team chances came too early to leave a consistent mark, the Swedish winger showed glimpses of his electric pace and direct style.

Elanga made a permanent move to Nottingham Forest in 2023, where he has truly come into his own.

He has been in electric form this campaign, racking up 16 goal contributions and helping Forest fight for a magnificent top five league finish.

2020/21: Shola Shoretire

Shola Shoretire made headlines when he stepped onto the pitch in a Europa League clash against Real Sociedad at just 17 years and 23 days old.

His cameo saw him replace Norman Whiteside as the youngest player to represent United in European competition.

He made five first-team appearances for United but left Old Trafford for PAOK after his contract expired in 2024.

The attacking midfielder has played 20 times for PAOK and scored four goals.

He is still only 21 years old and could have a bright future like many expected at Carrington.

2021/22: Alejandro Garnacho

Garnacho joined United from Atletico Madrid in 2020 and made his Premier League bow against Chelsea in 2022.

He burst into prominence during United’s FA Youth Cup triumph in 2022, scoring a brace in the final against Nottingham Forest.

The fearless winger made his Premier League debut the same year and has since made close to 150 senior appearances, an incredible feat for a player still only 20.

His directness and willingness to take on defenders make him a constant threat.

He still has to improve his finishing and the club will hope that next season brings an end product to match his amazing talent.

2022/23: Kobbie Mainoo

Kobbie Mainoo has enjoyed a meteoric rise, becoming a mainstay for both United and England over the past 18 months.

Just like Garnacho, Mainoo rose to the limelight after the FA Youth Cup victory in 2022.

His thunderbolt strikes against Liverpool and Lyon underlined his attacking instincts.

Manager Ruben Amorim is known for developing young players and he must aim to bring the best out of the midfielder.

2023/24: Ethan Wheatley

Ethan Wheatley is a highly-rated centre-forward who has earned plaudits at the academy level.

He became the 250th academy graduate to debut for United’s first-team last campaign.

His latest senior appearance came against Leicester City under former caretaker manager Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Wheatley joined Walsall on loan for the second half of the 2024/25 season to get a taste of senior football.

Although he has found it tough to make a consistent impact in League Two, United remain firm believers in his potential.

They even rewarded him with a new three-year contract in March 2025.

Wheatley is expected to be included in Amorim’s pre-season squad, where he will have the chance to prove he belongs at a higher level.

A strong summer showing could convince the Portuguese tactician to keep him around for the 2025/26 campaign.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .