When it comes to players from Ireland at Manchester United, there is a long and storied history of Irishmen performing well at the club.
The likes of Roy Keane, Denis Irwin, John O’Shea, Paul McGrath, and Kevin Moran (to name but a few) all left lasting impressions on the Old Trafford faithful after their spells with the team.
Unfortunately, Irish players in the team has not been such a regular occurrence in recent times. Robbie Brady is the last player from this country to feature for their first team, with his solitary appearance coming back in 2012.
However, we could have a new footballer to add to this list in the near future.
Ireland youth star opens up on Manchester United ambitions
Jacob Devaney has been making waves in the Manchester United youth setup for quite some time, now making his mark at senior level. Having had a loan spell at St Mirren last season, he has returned to Old Trafford for preseason.
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The English-born Ireland U21 star looks to have a big future in the game, with Michael Carrick clearly a fan. He would hand the 19-year old a start in the club’s first preseason fixture against Wrexham over the weekend.
Speaking in the aftermath of that game, Devaney praised Carrick for his handling of the club’s youth players. He went on to show an impressive maturity when asked about his goals for the upcoming season.
It’s nice that he takes knowledge of what you’re doing and he’s obviously not afraid to throw the youth in. He’s shown that last year. It’s positive to have someone like him in the building…
Obviously I want to play first-team football, whether that be at Manchester United for the next year or not. The main aim and goal for me is to play for Manchester United week in, week out.
So whether I have to go on loan again and gain more valuable experience like I did at St Mirren, or whether that be in the building, learning from the best which is here at Manchester United, we’ll see what happens.
It is refreshing to see a player prioritise first team football at this stage in their career, even if it means a move to less glamorous surroundings.
Can Jacob Devaney make Man United & Ireland breakthroughs?
A first team breakthrough at Manchester United could be a difficult prospect for the player this season, with the club having already recruited two new players in his preferred position of central midfield.
A loan move elsewhere seems like the most likely outcome at this point. Considering the player’s talents, he is sure to have plenty of potential suitors.
Jacob Devaney has already earned nine caps for Ireland at U21 level. With Heimir Hallgrimsson short on options in central midfield, a quick start to next season could see him fast-tracked into the senior setup in the not too distant future.