“So good” – Bruno Fernandes delighted with Man Utd wonderkid who could be his natural successor

Although his team missed out on the FA Youth Cup, Manchester United teenager Jim Thwaites showcased his worth once, suggesting he might be Bruno Fernandes’ long-term heir.The Man Utd U18 team clashed head with the crosstown rivals Man City in Wednesday’s final. The young Cityzens prevailed by two goals to one thanks to Reigan Heskey, the son of the former England strike, Emile.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYNevertheless, the Red Devils did produce a moment of magic during the game, when Thwaites and Godwill Kukonki combined to score the equaliser, responding for Floyd Samba’s opener.Jim Thwaites shines for Man Utd U18 under Bruno Fernandes’ watchful eyeWhile the towering Kukonki nodded home the header following a clever run the box, Thwaites earned the bulk of the plaudits for picking up his teammate with an exquisite inswinger.Both players were described as ‘so good’, with fans and observers envisioning a future for the duo with the senior squad, perhaps as early as next season. Jim Thwaites & Godwill Kukonki are so good. They will be playing first team football for Manchester United very soon. Thwaites isn’t far away at all. pic.twitter.com/abgT6VMfBU https://t.co/635kN3gvbe — Adam (@AdamJoseph) May 14, 2026Another user on X (formerly Twitter) noticed how Bruno’s enchanted reaction, as watched on from the stands alongside his MUFC teammates, Luke Shaw and Mason Mount.Want more Stretty News coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trustThe Man Utd captain, who is only only assist away from equalling Thierry Henry and Kevin de Bruyne’s Premier League record per season, is renowned for picking up his teammates with this sort of sublime passes. Bruno Fernandes was smiling cuz he sees himself in Jim Thwaites especially the way he crossed that to Kukonki to tie it 1-1 in the u18 final#FAYouthCup#ManchesterDerby#MUFC pic.twitter.com/4y9zE6JTIV — 1️⃣9️⃣0️⃣4️⃣🫡 (@OvaDaBush) May 14, 2026Is there a place for Thwaites at Man Utd’s senior squad next season?Interestingly, Thwaites’ talent has often been compared to Pedri’s, but Man Utd supporters are starting to pick up similaraties between the teenager and their captain.The 18-year-old has already trained with the first team on several occasions, and was part of last month’s camp in Dublin. Therefore, many beleive that Thwaites is a genuine candidate for a first-team spot next season, especially with so many vacancies to fill in the middle of the park.The teenager wouldn’t necessarily serve as Bruno’s understudy in the No.10 role, given that Mount is expected to stay, but he could be an option for the double pivot where is most accustomed to, perhaps as a backup for Kobbie Mainoo.Either way, the future looks bright for the young Englishman, who certainly has the required talent to make it at the highest level. Jim Thwaites vs Manchester City [@khanmufc_] pic.twitter.com/IXTryMBeE6 — Morgan (@utdscope) May 14, 2026