Five Man United wonderkids who could break into the first team in 2025–26

Manchester United will face Leeds United in the pre-season friendly clash next Saturday.

With United struggling to make major signings so far this summer, several academy talents may be handed the chance to stake their claim for senior roles in the upcoming campaign.

Chido Obi, Tyler Fredricson and Harry Amass all made encouraging strides into the first team in the latter half of last season.

Here we look at five academy prospects who could break through in the 2025–26 season under Amorim’s watchful eye.

Sekou Kone

Kone is a highly-rated midfielder signed from Malian side Guidars FC in the summer of 2024.

Amorim is eager to add steel in midfield, but with financial constraints hampering business, Kone could be fast-tracked into the senior squad instead of going out on loan to FC Lausanne-Sport.

Bruno Fernandes is set to operate in a more central role, and Amorim may want a more defensive-minded player to partner him.

Jaydan Kamason

Kamason was part of United’s squad for a few games last season due to injuries to Diogo Dalot and Amad Diallo.

His standout moment came in the FA Youth Cup quarter-final against Arsenal, where his relentless energy and attacking thrust stole the spotlight.

The 18-year-old is a powerful and industrious right-back, and he could seamlessly adapt to the right wing-back position.

The FA Cup or Carabao Cup could provide the perfect stage to unleash his potential.

Bendito Mantato

Despite battling injuries, Mantato lit up the U18 Premier League with 13 goals and two assists in just 22 appearances.

The teenager is predominantly a winger by trade, but he could also be utilised as a wing-back in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system.

He is only 17 but many believe that Amorim could help him mirror the development of Geovany Quenda at Sporting Lisbon under the same manager.

He also earned a new shirt number (70 from 85) recently, sparking rumours that Amorim is keen to see more of him in pre-season.

Godwill Kukonki

The 17-year-old has already been part of multiple matchday squads under Amorim.

He is a left-footed centre-back, which is a special commodity in the current transfer market.

Ayden Heaven’s January arrival saw him drop down the pecking order, but Victor Lindelof’s exit has reopened the door for the 17-year-old to rise again.

Despite playing at left-back a few times, Kukonki will be better suited to the left centre-back spot in the back three.

Jack Moorhouse

Moorhouse has earned plaudits at the academy level as the best ball-carrying midfielder.

Amorim wants his midfielders to be tenacious and progressive with their passes.

His ability to break lines with powerful runs and pick smart forward passes makes him a candidate for both central midfield and a number 10 role.

He has been a regular in the first-team training sessions and could finally earn his dream debut in the upcoming season.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .