Who is Jayce Fitzgerald? Man United's own Sergio Busquets in Leicester Carabao Cup squad
Latest Manchester United news with academy starlet Jayce Fitzgerald among the youngsters in the Carabao Cup squad to face Leicester City
Manchester United academy star Jayce Fitzgerald will be hoping to make his senior debut against Leicester City in the Carabao Cup. The 17-year-old has made eight appearances this season for the under-18s in a variety of positions with it clear he has impressed enough to be included in a first-team matchday squad.
In the previous round, Toby Collyer was the only youngster to appear and he played the full 90 minutes of the 7-0 thrashing of Barnsley, however that could change this evening. Alongside Fitzgerald, Jack Fletcher and Harry Amass have also been spotted arriving at Old Trafford.
Interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy is facing a number of decisions, with it likely to be his only game in charge following the departure of Erik ten Hag and imminent arrival of Ruben Amorim from Sporting CP. With Christian Eriksen pulling out of the squad because of injury, a chance has emerged for Fitzgerald.
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With that said, MEN Sport has pulled together everything there is to know about the teenager before a possible senior bow.
Early life and preferred position
According to United's club website, Fitzgerald grew up in Salford and has been part of United's academy since he was a child. He has also already made 44 appearances for United's youth team.
For the majority of his first few appearances, Fitzgerald was deployed in midfield but he is also capable of playing in defence. United under-18s manager Adam Lawrence has been utilising him in the latter for the opening weeks of the 2024/25 campaign.
The young Reds have won all eight of their league games so far this season with Fitzgerald making three appearances as a centre-back, two as an attacking midfielder, with one at right-back and central midfield, according to transfermarkt.
Busquets comparison
Versatility is now something every manager looks for and Fitzgerald certainly possess that quality. As evidenced by the four position he has already played in, the England under-17 international could be a huge asset going forward for United as he is on a similar path to Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets.
The Spaniard spent early parts of his career playing as a centre-back, like Fitzgerald is currently doing, though the preference of both was to play in midfield. Given the illustrious career Busquets had at the top level, United will be hoping taking this step in his development will be key especially with injuries plaguing him recently.