Ruben Overy Earns Senior Call-Up for Australia Following First Team Training at Manchester United

After consistently participating in Manchester United’s U-18 and U-21 teams during the 2025-26 season, Ruben Amorim has invited Ruben Overy to train with the first team. This significant call-up at Old Trafford has garnered attention from Australia’s national team coach, Tony Popovic, who has included the young talent in the Socceroos squad for upcoming friendlies against Venezuela and Colombia on November 15 and 19, respectively.

Having just turned 18 last month, Overy has also represented Australia in two matches during last month’s U20 World Cup. Primarily a right-back, he has showcased his versatility by playing as a winger and on the left side of defense for his national team. Popovic is impressed by Overy’s adaptable skill set and has opened the possibility for him to become part of Australia’s World Cup plans.

Popovic shared his thoughts with reporters, stating, “I thought he’s worth having a look at, and let’s see how it goes. I’m very open-minded about his immediate and long-term future. Currently, he’s in a good place, and I hope to create an environment where he feels comfortable expressing himself on the field, allowing him to play freely and enjoy the game.

“During my observations in Chile, I was quite impressed. We have established good contacts at Manchester United, so we are aware of his training regimen and how often he trains with the first team. He’s been actively playing with the U18s and U21s, and he is frequently called up for first-team training sessions. There is a strategic plan in place for his development, similar to that for other young talents. We’re pleased to see the progress he is making, particularly regarding his physical development in adapting to the demanding environment of a Premier League club.”

Overy distinguished himself as Australia’s youngest player at the U20 World Cup held in Chile last month. He played as a left-back in the team’s second group match against Argentina, which ended in a 4-1 defeat, and returned to his primary position in the final game as Australia secured a 3-1 victory over Cuba. Unfortunately, the Socceroos did not advance to the knockout stage, finishing third in their group behind Argentina and Italy with three points. Due to a -2 goal difference, they ranked fifth among the best third-placed teams, with only four teams qualifying for the next round.

As for Manchester United, Amorim’s squad has experienced a challenging season thus far in 2025-26. Despite significant investment during the summer transfer window, the team struggled initially, languishing in the lower half of the Premier League table and suffering a humiliating second-round exit from the Carabao Cup against fourth-tier Grimsby Town. However, United found their footing in October, achieving three consecutive league victories over Sunderland, Liverpool, and Brighton.

The team then faced two consecutive 2-2 draws against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham, leaving them in seventh place in the league as they approach the November international break. Their next match is against Everton on November 24.