Amorim Discusses Academy Prospects Ahead of Winter Schedule

omidbasir- As Manchester United prepares for their upcoming match against Everton, head coach Amorim addressed the state of the club’s academy pipeline, particularly in light of injuries and the anticipated absences due to the Africa Cup of Nations. Notably, he has yet to field a homegrown player in the Premier League this season, which has raised questions about the involvement of young talent during the busy winter period.

Amorim focused on two of United’s most promising teenagers, Chido Obi and Shea Lacey, discussing their readiness to make meaningful contributions at the senior level. With key players like Benjamin Sesko sidelined and Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo expected to represent their nations, fans are looking to academy prospects at Carrington to fill the gaps. Obi, who made eight senior appearances last season at just 16 years old, and Lacey, who has excelled at the youth level following an injury, are both under consideration. However, Amorim stressed that first-team readiness encompasses more than just raw talent, and he emphasized that neither player will be rushed into action for short-term needs.

The manager also pointed to the broader structural advancements within the club, underscoring the necessity of bridging the gap between Carrington prospects and the high demands of United’s intense training environment. He explained that these initiatives aim to ensure young players are both physically and psychologically prepared before stepping onto the Premier League pitch.

“He [Chido] played last year, but I think it was too soon,” Amorim remarked when asked about Obi’s potential reintegration. “We didn’t have a team that allowed a young player of 16 to thrive without struggles. He is definitely one of the talents, but he was introduced too early. It’s challenging for young players because they may feel ‘I’m already here’. We need to be cautious about this.”

Regarding Lacey, Amorim expressed optimism: “I’m very pleased with him. He faced some injury challenges, but we’ve effectively managed his physical load, and you can tell he can handle more during training. He possesses significant talent, but they need time with us to acclimatize to the rapid pace of our training.”

Amorim further addressed the importance of academy integration, stating, “When promoting a young player to the first team, they must exhibit exemplary behavior. This connection is crucial. We are implementing several initiatives, including hiring a nutritionist for the academy, which should be standard. All these measures are in place to foster my confidence in them, so when we introduce these youngsters to the Premier League, their struggles will be mitigated.”

Obi’s journey has garnered significant attention, especially after he broke goal-scoring records at Arsenal, including scoring 10 goals in a single U16 match and netting 32 goals in just 18 U18 Premier League games. He made the bold decision to join Manchester United in 2024, quickly advancing through the youth ranks and making eight senior appearances, becoming the youngest Premier League starter in the club’s history at the age of 17 years and 156 days.

While Obi’s development has been steady, Amorim believes that the rapid exposure was premature, given the physical and psychological pressures faced by a 16-year-old competing at the senior level. His performances with the U18s and U21s have showcased his scoring instincts, but the club’s strategy under Amorim is now focused on long-term growth. As United restructures its academy-to-first-team pathway, Obi is expected to experience a more controlled development environment rather than immediate first-team pressure.

Lacey, on the other hand, is enjoying a renaissance in 2025 after overcoming a setback from injury last year. The 18-year-old winger, often likened to Phil Foden for his close control, balance, and creative skill, has signed a long-term contract until 2029 and has made a significant impact in both United’s U21s and England’s youth teams. Amorim has integrated him into first-team training regularly and even named him in the senior squad earlier this month, viewing him as a viable option during the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

With a congested winter schedule and the loss of two wingers to international duty, both Obi and Lacey may find themselves vying for playing time, but only under Amorim’s stringent criteria. His comments emphasize that opportunities will be earned through training excellence and tactical preparedness, rather than being given due to injury crises.

Despite a less congested December compared to their European rivals, Manchester United still faces a demanding schedule, playing seven matches over 30 days, beginning with their encounter against Crystal Palace on November 30.