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Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim was in attendance as the United U21s thrashed Southampton’s reserve team 5-1 in the last match of the year before a break for the holidays.
There were quite a few impressive performers, none more so than Jack Moorhouse who won a penalty and scored one of the goals of the season after dribbling more than 60 yards.
His Man of the Match display has had the academy buzzing and according to The Daily Mail, the Portuguese head coach has been left impressed with what he has seen from the 19-year-old.
So much so that there are plans to call him up to first team training for the first time with the club currently not envisaging a loan spell for the youngster.
Moorhouse impresses Amorim
He was impressive with his close control while moving up the gears while his passing range showed a maturity beyond his years.
As the report revealed, Moorhouse is considered “one of the best ball carriers in midfield right across the academy”, which goes to show how highly-rated he is.
“A word on 19-year-old midfielder Jack Moorhouse who caught the eye in front of a watching Ruben Amorim at Carrington over the weekend.
It’s not always easy for young players to kick on and realise their potential after spending significant periods out injured during their most important developmental years but Jack Moorhouse is certainly a player I could see have a late emergence at the top level.
I’m… pic.twitter.com/SKkI8pyZFm
— SCOOP. (@AcademyScoop) December 14, 2024
“His two goals in a man-of-the-match performance against Southampton has been a topic of conversation in academy circles ever since.
“The young midfielder, who is one of the best ball carriers in midfield right across the academy, is looking the best he ever has.
“While the plan for his development does not at this stage include a loan move away in January, hopes are increasing that he could be elevated to first-team training on occasions before the season is out.
“With Moorhouse a player going from strength to strength, there is a growing belief that he is firmly in the mix to be next man up.”
Senior team training call-up?
The U18 league winner from last season has suffered from numerous injuries due to growing pains recently but his display at the weekend has given coaches confidence that he is getting close to his best.
He has two goals in four appearances in PL2 this term and can play as the No 10 and in midfield, with versatility a highly valued trait in the Portuguese boss’ system.
Amorim has shown he is not afraid to place his trust his players irrespective of age as seen from 16-year-old Godwill Kukonki‘s participation in multiple matchday squads.
And Moorhouse is firmly on his way to become the next academy star to be called up for training by the new coach. He must keep his performance levels up and grab the opportunity with both hands when it comes.
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