Sensational academy midfielder has caught Carrick’s attention, United have found their own Pedri – report

The final days of the winter transfer window are likely to be quiet for Manchester United, who have shown little desire to strengthen their midfield. Ruben Amorim, who wanted to bring in a midfielder in January, saw his request refused by the club’s hierarchy before they showed him the exit door following increasing tension behind the scenes. United brought in Michael Carrick to fill Amorim’s void, and it was stressed that the Red Devils would back the interim head coach if a long-term target became available. However, it seems that is not going to be the case this month. Michael Carrick left with paper-thin midfield Michael Carrick has reinstated Kobbie Mainoo to the starting line-up, playing him alongside Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes in a midfield three. Meanwhile, Manuel Ugarte is seen as a bench option. After the Uruguayan, Carrick does not have a senior midfielder capable of playing deep at his disposal. As such, the former midfielder could make use of the academy, and it is believed one prospect has already caught his attention. Jim Thwaites is on Michael Carrick’s radar According to CentreDevils, Carrick has a “liking” towards Jim Thwaites, who is closing in on a return from injury. The 18-year-old midfielder is considered “one of the best technical talents” at Carrington, drawing comparisons to Barcelona star Pedri while in possession. Akin to the Spanish maestro, the English metronome can break lines with ease and has the vision and composure to dictate the tempo from deep. The report states: “Staff across the youth departments often rave about him in training, and his performances in the games match it.” Thwaites is one of the best ball carriers in the academy. It is understood first-team coaches have been keeping a close eye on the midfield gem. He might get opportunities under Carrick, who in his early days at the club, has shown he is not afraid of making bold, progressive decisions. Featured image James Fearn 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 Vishal Singh Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets, including North Star Network. Vishal has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Vishal also manages a leading MUFC fan page, The Red Devils, on Facebook with over a million likes. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!