United have already found the perfect midfield partner for Mainoo who demonstrates “effortless composure” on the ball – opinion

Manchester United need to strengthen their midfield options this summer. With Casemiro leaving and Manuel Ugarte’s future also looking increasingly likely to be away from Old Trafford, Kobbie Mainoo is the only central midfielder with a certain future, as he is on the cusp of signing a new deal. Huge names such as Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali and Aurélien Tchouaméni have been linked with a move to the club. It has also been reported that United may need up to three midfielders but only plan to buy two, with the idea of promoting one from the youth team very much in mind. They should look no further than Jacob Devaney. The Irishman is currently on loan at St Mirren, and despite the talents of Jack Moorhouse and Jim Thwaites, he is the best placed to step into the senior squad. Fantastic loan Devaney has stepped into the first team at Scottish Premiership side St Mirren and has looked totally at home. The 18-year-old joined in January and has been part of a successful side, one of the top-performing ones in Scotland. They took Celtic to extra time in the Scottish Cup semi-final and have also had some impressive results with Devaney. He particularly stood out with a magnificent display in his side’s unlucky 0-1 defeat at Celtic Park earlier this month. Devaney has played 11 times in total and scored one goal for his side. His growing importance in the team can be seen in the fact that he has played 90 minutes in three of the last four matches. Mentality Former St Mirren boss, Stephen Robinson, spoke on Devaney’s mental strength by claiming, “I don’t usually take first loans but he’s such a mature young man.” The young midfielder was also captain of the under-21 side before leaving for senior football on loan in the winter. He has also impressed for his country, putting in a highly praised shift against England under-21s in November last year. Skillset Not only has he shown that he can handle senior football and a first-team dressing room, he also possesses the skillset. He has been described as a player on the ball who “effortlessly demonstrates the competence and composure so common among top academy graduates.” His mobility has also been impressive, and he has consistently demonstrated his ability to get himself around the pitch. This is something the current United midfield lacks in abundance and will need to be addressed this summer. Final thoughts Devaney is still a developing player and is certainly not the finished article. He will need time to reach his full potential and may even need another senior loan in the future. Nonetheless, if United are going to take a chance on one of their youth team midfielders, Devaney stands head and shoulders above the rest. Jacob Devaney St Mirren stats Games playedGoalsAssists Mins played 1110809 Source: transfermarkt.com 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 Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.