United youngster earns international call-up before kicking a ball for the first team – report

Manchester United’s academy has been responsible for producing some of the finest talents to grace the game over its rich and illustrious history. Many players have progressed through the ranks to represent United at first team level and go on to earn caps for their respective nations across the globe. Typically, youngsters make their break into domestic senior ranks before earning their intentional call ups, but that’s not the case for 17-year-old, James Overy. National team beckons for United starlet Despite not featuring in a senior matchday squad as yet, Overy has been selected to represent the Australian national team for their upcoming games in the United States. As reported by BBC Sport, Overy will make his way to the States to be part of the Socceroo’s squad as they prepare for friendly fixtures against Venezuela and Colombia. The right back signed for United in 2024 and has clearly done enough at youth level to impress the Australian coaches who have been monitoring his development closely. Appearances against Rochdale and Tamworth in the National League Cup have been eye catching and Overy will be desperate to leave his mark at international level over the next week. However, this works both ways. With Overy having previously represented Scotland at youth level, the Australian hierarchy will be hoping a successful camp will be enough to persuade him that his international future lies down under. World Cup call-up possible Overy has been called up to first team training at United, something that was noted by Australia boss Tony Popovic when speaking on the young defenders inclusion. “He’s worth having a look at. We have good contacts at Manchester United, so we know what he’s doing at training. “He’s in the process where he’s getting called up (to first-team training) a lot more often,” he said. Popovic stated he was “impressed” by Overy’s performances in the Under-20’s World Cup and the United man will be keen to cement his place in the senior set up with the World Cup on the horizon. It’s unlikely the defender will start either of the two games, but he will be desperate to make his international bow with a cameo role before heading back to Manchester. Ruben Amorim will no doubt be kept well up-to-date on the youngster’s efforts with the wing back spots in United’s first team certainly up for grabs should his progression accelerate. 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 Conner Botterill Conner Botterill has been with The Peoples Person for three years. A keen match-going red with degrees in Sport and Journalism and Philosophy and Psychology through the Open University. His favourite match attended was the Champions League victory in Paris under one the guidance of one of his idols, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Conner still believes he has a chance of making United’s first team through his 5-a-side career.