Highly-rated academy trio forced to wait as United opt to delay their first-team promotion – report

Manchester United have reportedly decided against immediately promoting three highly-rated youngsters to the first team.

United preparing for big season

United are looking to significantly improve next season, following an extremely poor 2024/25 campaign in which they finished a lowly 15th place, having suffered 18 defeats and amassing just 42 points.

It was undoubtedly the worst year in the club’s extensive history – a chapter they are undoubtedly keen to put behind them as they step up their preparations for 2025/26.

A lot of the focus has been on transfers as the hierarchy, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, aims to bolster the ranks and shape the squad to suit Ruben Amorim’s football philosophy.

So far, United have confirmed the signings of Matheus Cunha, Diego Leon and Enzo Kana-Biyik. Like Cunha, 18-year-old Leon has been training with the first team, but his agemate Kana-Biyik has been sent out on a season-long loan to INEOS-owned FC Lausanne Sport.

But, United also have big decisions to make regarding the futures of some of their promising youngsters, who either need to also go out on loan, remain in the academy or be promoted to the senior squad.

According to The Athletic, United have already made up their minds about Shea Lacey, Godwill Kukonki and Bendito Mantato.

United’s make decisions on Lacey, Kukonki and Mantato

The Athletic reveal, “Shea Lacey, 18, ended a frustrating year by catching the eye on that post-season tour and has trained with the first team since returning to Carrington.”

“After his injury issues, he is likely to stay to gain more experience at under-21 level rather than go out on loan.”

“His fellow winger Bendito Mantato is another to have been in with the first-team squad several times over the past week. Although only a second-year scholar and therefore still eligible for the under-18s, the 17-year-old is expected to build on his five appearances for the under-21s to date.”

“It is a similar story for Godwill Kukonki, who at 17 is set to sign his first professional contract with United and featured in several of Amorim’s squads last term.”

On Kukonki, The Athletic note that United are eager for him to gain more experience in central defence after playing most of his Under-18 games at left-back.

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