MANCHESTER UNITED academy stars have made significant progress in breaking into England’s younger squads.
This follows the fourth international break in a row where Thomas Tuchel hasn’t called up a single United first-team player.
United’s academy is still regarded as one of the finest youth institutions in the world – but Sir Jim Ratcliffe revealed that “standards have slipped” in his bombshell interview with the Times this week.
Here SunSport runs the rule over the seven Carrington representatives who were included in England’s youngster sides for the upcoming October international fixtures.
Shea Lacey – U20s
Lacey was called up to England U20s for the first time and was given the chance to impress Tuchel in training with the senior England squad on Wednesday.
The 18-year-old is one of the most promising young talents emerging at United having also trained with Ruben Amorim’s first-team.
Players from England’s various youth teams are regularly called into train with the senior group to bolster numbers, but Lacey has now formally introduced himself to Tuchel.
The left-footed winger has progressed rapidly through the youth ranks, making his U18 debut at 15.
Lacey has had to overcome persistent injury problems, including a torn thigh muscle, over the last two years but there is huge excitement over his potential.
Blessed with exceptional dribbling ability, the Merseyside-born youngster has drawn early comparisons with Phil Foden and Wayne Rooney.
Elyh Harrison – U20s
Harrison, a promising young goalkeeper who joined from Stevenage in 2022, has been called up to face Belgium and Wales’ U19s.
His outstanding performances in goal for United’s U18s and U21s saw him win the Denzil Haroun Reserve-Team Player of the Year award for the 2023/24 season.
He is currently on a season-long loan with Shrewsbury Town in League One.
Harrison was first included in Amorim’s matchday squad in United’s 3-0 win at Leicester in February.
Ethan Wheatley – U20s
Fans have already been introduced to Wheatley, who progressed through the academy after joining at the age of nine.
The Stockport-born striker’s prolific goalscoring at the U18 and U21 levels in the 2023/24 season led to him being named the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year.
He made his Premier League debut in April 2024, becoming the 250th academy graduate to play for the first team.
The 19-year-old is currently enjoying a loan spell with Northampton, where he has scored once in 10 starts for the League One side this season.
Ayden Heaven – U20s
Another one who doesn’t need an introduction. Heaven is a left-footed centre-back who joined from Arsenal in February 2025 as one of Amorim’s first signings.
Despite being in his teens at the time of signing, he was immediately handed the number 26 shirt and joined the first-team squad.
Heaven quickly made his senior debut for United, first in the FA Cup, and then in United’s 1-1 draw against former club Arsenal in the Prem in March.
Jack Fletcher – U19s
Jack is the son of United legend and former Scotland international Darren Fletcher.
Like his dad, Fletcher is a highly touted central midfielder but has filled in at left-back this season, starting there against Athletic Club and Crystal Palace.
He and his twin brother, Tyler – who represents Scotland – signed for United from City’s academy in 2023 for a significant combined fee of £1.25m.
Fletcher has quickly established himself in the U18 and U21 squads, demonstrating his potential with eye-catching goals – most recently against Everton last Friday.
First-team sources speak highly of Jack, who is seen as the closest to breaking into the first team group alongside Lacey.
Harry Amass – U19s
Despite the chaos unfolding at Sheffield Wednesday, Amass has enjoyed an encouraging start to his loan spell at Hillsborough since joining on deadline day.
The left-back has quickly become a starter for the Owls, making five appearances in the Championship.
After making a name for himself on United’s pre-season tour of the United States in the summer of 2024, Amass appeared to be a shoo-in to become the latest graduate to make his competitive debut for the club.
Instead, he had to wait until March to make his official bow, stepping off the bench at the King Power Stadium on what was his 18th birthday.
He also made the bench for United’s 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final.
Bendito Mantato – U18s
Former United academy coach Neil Ryan has included Mantato, 17, in England’s U18s friendlies for a double-headed friendly against France.
The versatile player, who joined aged nine, has experience operating in multiple roles, including as a right-sided winger and at full-back.
Mantato is known for his pace, high intensity and exceptional dribbling ability – all leading to comparisons with Arsenal star Bukayo Saka.
He has been a consistent goal threat at the U18 level and has since moved up to the U21s.
Mantato has represented England at various youth levels and was notably included in the senior squad for the Tour 2025 in the USA.
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