18-year-old United midfielder impresses on international duty against star studded midfield trio

Manchester United’s Jacob Devaney impressed for Ireland u21s against a star studded England u21s side on Friday night. With England’s line-up consisting of Premier League stars, it was always going to be an uphill battle for Devaney and the boys in green. But it ended up being a much closer match than many would have expected, due in large part to the United midfielder who has been the club’s u21s captain this season. Up against a midfield trio of Ethan Nwaneri, Lewis Miley, and Jobe Bellingham, the 18 year old held his own against the older and more experienced opponents. Defence and attack After picking up a yellow card early on, Devaney could have let that affect him but he didn’t shy away from a challenge as he tore up and down the pitch. Devaney finished the match with 10 tackles, winning the most duels and most defensive contributions of anyone from either side. The United youngster didn’t just impress defensively but came close to scoring on two occasions as well. In the 43rd minute, Devaney’s cross-cum-shot almost caught out Tommy Setford in the England goal who did just enough to tip the ball wide after getting caught underneath it. Later in the second half when Ireland were chasing an equaliser, Devaney picked up the ball outside the box and drove forward before his powerful shot sailed just wide of the right post. Setting up his teammates as well, he provided three key passes throughout the 90 minutes which was also the most of anyone on the pitch. Ultimately, England came out 2-0 victors after a penalty in the 60th minute and a late clincher in stoppage time from Chelsea’s Tyrique George, but the score line doesn’t reflect how tight the encounter was. Run of fine form The performance was a continuation of Devaney’s form this season in a red shirt where he has consistently been one of the standouts for Travis Binnion’s side. Most recently, Devaney topped The Peoples Person’s player ratings for the u21s against Notts County in the EFL Trophy where he scored a spectacular goal. Reportedly attracting interest from Premier League clubs, last night’s performance will have left suitors even more interested in stealing him away from Old Trafford. United will be wise to fend off the interest though for the talent whose father recently quipped that he is the “best 6 at the club.” 18 and been a consistent high performer. Doesn’t do step overs or shoot from 30 yards every game so doesn’t get the limelight😂 controls the game, team player. Best 6 at the club 😉 https://t.co/4SQvEWaSdm — Martin Devaney (@Martindevaney1) October 16, 2025 A former professional himself, Martin Devaney is now a first team coach for Port Vale having previously coached at Barnsley. A good head on his on head shoulders Growing up in a footballing household, Devaney shows a maturity on the pitch but his off the field exploits are just as impressive. The youngster has recently enrolled in a Football and Business Management three-year part-time BA Honours degree with the PFA. His further studies build on his scholar of the year award that he received last season, which is given in recognition of players excelling both on the pitch and academically. Featured image Lewis Storey via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Colm Murphy A football obsessed Canadian who moved to England to enjoy the beautiful game. Colm has been keen follower of Manchester United’s famed academy since seeing a fresh faced Adnan Januzaj for the club’s u18s and has been writing about football with a focus on youth development for over 10 years. You can follow him X: RedYouthUnited.