Manchester United’s switch to a traditional back-four under Michael Carrick has paid dividends, with the Red Devils currently on a three-match winning run. However, it has resulted in a lack of minutes for several young prospects, such as Ayden Heaven, Leny Yoro, and Tyler Fredricson. Former head coach Ruben Amorim’s ploy of playing with a back five meant quite a few young centre-backs got their chance to shine, including Carrington graduate Fredricson. His performances even saw him earn the Reserve Player of the Year award last season. Tyler Fredricson broke through under Amorim The 20-year-old made two senior appearances last season, and more opportunities were expected to come his way when INEOS decided to focus on strengthening the attack instead of the backline last summer. Amorim did turn to the 20-year-old for the EFL Cup tie against Grimsby Town, but the academy graduate endured a nightmare against the League Two side and subsequently lost his place as a result. Despite Matthijs de Ligt’s injury woes and Harry Maguire’s uncertain future, the England U18 international has remained a peripheral figure. His only other appearance was a two-minute cameo against Newcastle United in December, and it was expected that the centre-back would depart on loan in January. Celtic tried for Tyler Fredricson As revealed by Simon Stone of The BBC, Scottish giants Celtic and Aberdeen were in touch with the player over a temporary switch. Tyler Fredricson will stay @ManUtd due to ill-timed injury. Had been interest from Huddersfield and Aberdeen. Celtic also in touch. — Simon Stone (@sistoney67) February 2, 2026 League One side Huddersfield Town were also interested, but a calf injury means a deadline-day exit is out of the question. “Tyler Fredricson will stay at Manchester United due to ill-timed injury. “Had been interest from Huddersfield and Aberdeen. Celtic also in touch,” the journalist wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Deadline day is set to be quiet from a senior team perspective but INEOS are busy arranging loan deals for several of their youth stars. Feature image Alex Pantling 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 Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25





