It’s time for Ruben Amorim to utilise one highly-rated Red Devils prospect. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Having Manchester United youth players considered for first-team activities is a highly welcomed indication of progress at the club. Having a strong academy pipeline will always be crucial.
Two youngsters received call-ups from the Real Sociedad fixture in the second leg of the Europa League Round of 16.
Named to Europa League roster
James Scanlon and Tyler Fredricson were available on the bench during the 4-1 win. Ruben Amorim did not put them in the match. It is still a positive development for their careers. Different managers can have different specific reasons for how they allocate roster spots. In general, they don’t want those to go to waste. The young player’s inclusion shows a certain level of trust, even if they didn’t see action during the game itself as of yet.
The inclusion of a defender is certainly telling. Fredricson is making an impression with the Under-18 squad. He, furthermore, has earned a couple of U-21 nods as well. Making the side for the senior team in the European competition is a big deal.
Amorim relies on backline strength in his 3-4-3. Having three centre backs and substitutions for those roles is a must. Fredricson’s inclusion, consequently, shows that the 20-year-old isn’t too far off from getting a run with the senior team. If something had happened and two CBs had gone down, his jersey number potentially would have been shown on the touchline in green.
Earning consideration from Man Utd staff
This has been building for the England international. At 6’0, he’s a tall presence back there. He’ll need to add on some weight to withstand the physicality of the Premier League and Man Utd competitions. There is more than enough though to see why Amorim and his predecessor, Erik ten Hag, were on his abilities.
Fredricson – hailed as ‘soldier’-like by journalist Nathan Ridley – is a smart, disciplined defender who positions himself well to win the ball back. In possession, he’s composed for someone his age. The defender is quick to get the ball out of his feet as needed. There is an element that should excite Man Utd fans, however. He also looks to play passes to more advanced teammates up the pitch. Specators can often see him joining in the attack himself and sending service into the box.
This measured aggression and quality is a needed element from the right centre back, for example, in Amorim’s system. Fredricson, at the younger levels, has also displayed the legs to track back, and an outside wingback position could well be in the cards for him as well, particularly with his crossing ability.
Overall, it looks promising for the youngster. His levelheadedness and technical ability, as an attacker and defender, have served him well up to this point. He may not see game time this season if everyone else stays healthy. There’s plenty of promise though, and someone who could be working himself into the Man Utd rotation soon enough.
