Amorim: They will have a space in our team
Ruben Amorim says he was particularly pleased with the contribution of Jim Thwaites, as he stressed Manchester United's youngsters have much work to do to achieve the consistency required to play in the Premier League.
The boss said he likes the Academy talent hoping for an opportunity under him, potentially during the pre-season tour coming up after the break, and can now take stock, following the 3-1 victory over Hong Kong, China in our second post-season friendly.
With much to do over the summer, including moving into a revamped Carrington building, Amorim also explained to club media that goalscorers Chido Obi (2) and Ayden Heaven have great potential and need to keep pushing.
Thwaites, something of a set-piece expert in the younger age groups, made a superb saving challenge in the ASEAN All-Stars clash two days ago, and, at 17, is clearly doing the right things to catch the eye of our head coach.
Amorim: I enjoyed the way we played
Ruben tells Sam Carney that he enjoyed our performance in Hong Kong, before picking out a youngster who impressed him...
"I really like the kids," he told MUTV's Sam Carney at the Hong Kong Stadium. "I think Jimmy [Thwaites], in the last 15 minutes, as a midfielder, he wants to play. It doesn't matter how many minutes. These kind of young kids are really important. They will have space in our team.
"Of course, it's a good feeling [for Obi to score twice] but he needs to continue to train really hard because the Premier League is a different world. We have to improve as a team but I'm really pleased with the kids. Ayden proved, in every game for the first team, he is ready to be an option. Of course, he has got to improve.
"It's important for us to control these kids, to show them to be a professional in Manchester United it's really hard to maintain the level. He is starting and needs to continue."
In terms of having a holiday, Ruben is already thinking about getting back to base and finalising his plans for 2025/26.
"Of course, to spend time with my family," he said. "But, like I said in the press conference, I am ready to start the next one. We have a lot to do. A lot to prepare. We have to think of the squad and we are changing building. It needs to be that everything is ready for the new season."