10 Man Utd academy wonderkids who could become superstars under Ruben Amorim, including Amir Ibragimov (2025)

Manchester United have a rich history of promoting academy players into the first-team and this should continue under Ruben Amorim.

Throughout the silverware-laden history of Manchester United, the foundations have always been in the academy and this is true now as much as ever.

251 academy players have graduated into the first-team and even now there are several candidates to make that number 252.

It is a tradition which fans will demand is maintained by Ruben Amorim, and his record of promoting youth bodes well for the talented players currently in the ranks at Carrington.

With the 39-year-old now getting to work, here are 10 United players who could become elite under the new head coach.

• READ MORE: Manchester United’s Best Academy Players of All Time

Harry Amass

Starting defensively, arguably the one youth player almost certain to be excited by the arrival of Amorim is Harry Amass.

The 17-year-old full-back has been on the bench practically all season and not given a look in for minutes – but this could change under Amorim.

With wing-backs to play a huge role – a full-back with the attacking quality and crossing of Amass could be of great use, especially with the two senior options ever-injured. Amass’ time could now be upon us.

• READ MORE: Who is Harry Amass? Man Utd Age, Position, Nationality, Stats

Godwill Kukonki

The second name on the list for Amorim could and should be Godwill Kukonki who at the age of 16 has remarkably already played for the U21s.

Kukonki is a left-footed central defender who would in theory fit perfectly in on the left side of the back three as he has the ball-playing ability and physical qualities needed to do so.

It would be unlikely to see Kukonki debut this season, however, if he impresses Amorim, next summer could be when he gets a chance on tour with the senior team.

James Scanlon

James Scanlon is a player who could be more of a slow burner at Manchester United, despite his 15-goal contributions this season so far at U21 and U18 levels.

Despite being a winger or attacking midfielder in the academy – Scanlon could actually fit the role of a wing-back perfectly in Amorim’s system.

Used as a right full-back by Erik ten Hag in pre-season, Scanlon showed excellent ability to get past his man and look at getting crosses into the box. After Amorim gets a look at him, maybe Scanlon’s future lies here.

• READ: Who is Manchester United’s James Scanlon? Age, Position, Height, International caps and more

Jayce Fitzgerald

Jayce Fitzgerald has enjoyed a rise into the senior picture in recent weeks – featuring on the bench during Ruud van Nistelrooy’s three games to date.

It is clear to see why – with Fitzgerald’s qualities earning him Sergio Busquets comparisons, with both excellent possession midfielders, albeit Busquets has a long way to go to reach that level.

Fitzgerald could develop to tick a lot of the boxes Amorim desires from his midfielders and given the young age the head coach could really mould him into the kind of player he wants.

• READ: Everything you need to know about Jayce Fitzgerald: age, position, and Sergio Busquets similarities

Sekou Kone

Another central midfielder who we would be pretty confident about is £1m summer signing Sekou Kone who has every potential in every key area a top midfielder could ask for.

Kone has impressed in his opening performances for Manchester United, having taken his time to settle in and has now played for the U21s and U19s.

At just 18, Kone is tipped with being an elite midfielder in the future and in terms of this list, he is probably one of the names closer to being handed a promotion given he was signed as a ‘first-team’ signing with the near future being eyed.

Bendito Mantato

Bendito Mantato is one of the biggest talents right now at Carrington and we are sure that he is one name Amorim will be eager to take a close look at.

Mantato has been in great form for the U18s this season as a right-winger – but he may be tailor-made for the left wing-back position under Amorim’s rule.

The 16-year-old is quick and a great dribbler which could put him in some dangerous positions to cross – he may even be Amorim’s new Geovany Quenda as a very young player to be turned into an elite player.

Shea Lacey

Despite injury concerns which seem to continue creeping up, Shea Lacey is arguably the biggest talent at Manchester United.

If he can get himself fit and stay fit, Lacey could be a perfect option to play in the right-wing slot under Amorim as it would also give him the license to drop centrally.

Lacey turns 18 later this season and a good run in the U21s could be enough to solidify himself as the Antony replacement in 2025.

• READ MORE: Who is Man Utd’s Shea Lacey? Age, Position, Stats and more

Amir Ibragimov

Amir Ibragimov is right up there with Lacey as the best talent at the football club right now, the difference is the Russian-born star is making a real impact this season.

Ibragimov has been on fire for the U18s in his first full season at the level, proving Manchester United right to be so excited by him.

The 16-year-old has already stated his ambitions of making a first-team debut this season – and with Amorim, a huge advocate for youth and also the Dagestan forward sits into the tactical set-up perfectly.

Gabriele Biancheri

Next up is arguably the best performer in the academy this season so far, with Gabriele Biancheri sitting on 17 goals this season to date.

For Biancheri, the hope will be that Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee’s struggles in front of goal continue under Amorim and he will be there to possible come in and make all the difference.

This season Biancheri has gone from strength to strength and his goal against Zalgiris in the UEFA Youth League was a perfect example of this – as his game improves, a debut seems a matter of time.

Chido Obi-Martin

Finally, the young man who fans are most excited by… Chido Obi-Martin.

The Danish striker has already got four goals and one assist this season for the U18s despite only starting two games. Scoring every 43 minutes for the U18s.

• READ: Who is Chido Obi? Wonderkid who has left Arsenal to join Manchester United move

If he manages to continue as he has begun at Carrington, chances are he will be United’s first-choice striker by the time the 2028 Euros arrive at the very latest – by which stage he won’t even be 22.

Like with Biancheri, if Amorim gets frustrated with his current options then Obi-Martin could even get his chance earlier.