11 Sep 2026 17:22:23
Seems like common sense, methinks!
I do post about Academy issues sometimes and this seems to be worthy of comment.
As we know, we mainly play a 4-2-3-1. There will no doubt be occasions when this is altered, but it is the default set up.
As of now, both the U18s and U21s will be moving to this system, changing from the usual 4-3-3.
This seems a perfectly sensible thing to do, instigating uniformity throughout the club.
It is part of the plan to increase the chances of Academy players succeeding in the transition to first-team player, clearly knowing what is expected of you should significantly smooth the path.
Would not be surprised to see J. J. making a first-team cameo before 24th October! That is the final day for him to be our youngest ever player in a competitive match.
He cannot appear (as yet) in ECL.
12 Sep 2026 00:29:50
He really does look special iwotb.
I don't think he is training with the 1st team regularly, but maybe a League Cup tie if we get past Brighton. If it happens, it happens. It's not a big deal. 5 min cameo and not seen again for months is not how the record was set, and I don't think it should be broken that way.
There is no rush with him, which I'm sure you agree with.
Hopefully we can tie him down with a contract and see him flourish over the next few years. Without doubt the best prospect I've seen at youth level since Ravel Morrison, and id say JJ is even streets ahead of him. He has the world at his feet.
12 Sep 2026 10:05:14
Is there any danger that he will sign for someone else?
12 Sep 2026 11:36:36
There is always that gamer, Patrick. He could decide to do that.
Fingers crossed he stays.
12 Sep 2026 17:51:05
Ken, yes I totally agree, there is no rush. It does seem to matter to some though!
I was told that it is more a case of appearance's sake, and showing JJ how valued he is.
He has been training with the 1st team a fair bit, again, much about making him comfortable in that environment.
Patrick, yes, he could sign for someone else, every big club in Europe is watching him, including Liverpool!! Barcelona in particular are trying very hard.
There is concern at the club that it could happen, indeed the summer before last was his first opportunity to do so and there was genuine worry it would happen. It was down, mainly, to Wilcox and Vivell that he was persuaded to stay.
There will be another opportunity next summer for him to leave on a free transfer.
Clearly we are doing our best to convince him where his future lies and that, in the future, the 1st team could be built around him. Obviously, subject to him achieving expected levels.
I believe his father, obviously, a massive influence on him, has been offered a couple of private boxes, free for life, in the new stadium.
There is also significant effort being put into keeping his feet well and truly on the ground. Imagine being 15 yrs old and having all the talk and expectation he is enduring and not succumbing to some of the pressure.
Remember what happened to Ravel Morrison! Although I do not expect him to go anywhere near that road.
I just hope, for his sake, he manages to navigate a safe passage through it all, and ends up being a Man Utd true great.