Manchester United's 25-man squad for their initial pre-season games in Helsinki and Trondheim remains largely consistent, with 15-year-old JJ Gabriel replacing the injured Ethan Wheatley. This selection strongly suggests that any academy player aiming for consistent senior squad inclusion under Michael Carrick this season will emerge from this group.

Consequently, several academy talents not involved must now evaluate their next career steps. These players include Gibraltar international James Scanlon, midfielder Jack Moorhouse, who previously spent time at Leyton Orient, and Gabriele Biancheri, formerly with Rotherham. Australian full-back James Overy also falls into this category. Overy missed significant play last season due to commitments with the Under-20 World Cup and Under-23 Asian Cup, though he featured in the FA Youth Cup final against Manchester City. He is a target for A-League clubs seeking loan deals, with European interest also present for the 18-year-old, who earned a senior Socceroos call-up.