- Manchester United to give chance to Jack Moorhouse
- Preseason friendly could see a host of academy products involved
- Midfielder had unsuccessful loan spell at Leyton Orient
Manchester United are prepared to give midfielder Jack Moorhouse game-time in the upcoming pre-season friendlies this summer.
The Red Devils are ‘almost certain’ to give the academy graduate regular minutes on the tour, before assessing his future for the 2026/27 campaign.
This summer will see the squad stay within Europe to minimise travel in a World Cup season. The schedule will see United face some European giants such as PSG, Atletico Madrid and AC Milan.
New Midfield Look
It is already a known fact that Casemiro will be leaving Old Trafford following his contract expiry. The future of Manuel Ugarte is unclear. It could mean that as many as two senior players need to be replaced in midfield alone.
As long as the club are on track to qualify for the Champions League next season, it would mean at least an additional eight games. With the hope of progressing further in the FA Cup and EFL Cup, that could take the total number of games to around 55 next season.
For the reasons of both quantity and quality, INEOS need to prioritise the midfield department as an area of investment. The current plan is for two new senior midfielders, as well as promoting an academy graduate to the senior setup.
Sekou Kone is a highly rated prospect, but a concussion at the start of this season consequently delayed his development. For a short period of time, Toby Collyer was ahead of Casemiro in the pecking order. However, his development has also been staggered by injuries out on loan to Hull City. The Fletcher twins have featured off the bench several times in the second half of this season.
Squad Overhaul Could Benefit Moorhouse
Perhaps above all, Moorhouse could benefit most from the impending changes at the club. The 20-year-old spent the first half of 2025/26 on loan at League One side Leyton Orient. Making just ten league starts, it was considered an unsuccessful spell for The O’s.
However, his return to Carrington has shown that he is a level above U21 football. Moreover, his ball-carrying ability and injury-free record could give him an edge over every other academy prospect.
The player is primarily a defensive midfielder, but is versatile in nature to play as a number eight or even on the wings at times.
Pre-season will be a fantastic time to assess not just Moorhouse, but all the academy midfielders in contention to make the jump. With the squad facing Wrexham on 18 July in Helsinki, the World Cup final will not yet be finished. The final is set to be played the day after United kick off their preseason.
With the likes of Brazil, England and Portugal represented by United players, many of the senior players will get an extended break before joining later on in the tour. It will give the chance for whoever the permanent manager will be to assess the youngsters ahead of a 25/26 man squad for the season.
