Just who are the academy players called up by Louis van Gaal?
With Manchester United’s defensive crisis having deepened after the Red Devils lost Jonny Evans to injury and Tyler Blackett to suspension on a disastrous afternoon at Leicester last weekend, manager Louis van Gaal has now turned to two academy players, Tom Thorpe and Paddy McNair, to potentially make their debuts for the Red Devils against West Ham United at Old Trafford tomorrow.
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With neither Thorpe nor McNair being particularly well known to most United fans, let alone the wider footballing public, we picked out six facts that we think you need to know about the youthful duo:
Thorpe was part of a struggling Birmingham City defence last season
One look at the defensive record of Lee Clark’s Birmingham City side during Thorpe’s six games on loan at St. Andrews last season is enough to send a shiver down the spine of a United supporter. The Blues shipped 15 goals in just six games involving Thorpe as they plummeted towards the Championship drop-zone, picking up just four points in that time. Thorpe wasn’t involved in the final two games of the season after Hayden Mullins was recalled from Notts County.
McNair is actually a defensive midfielder
Young Northern Irishman Paddy McNair may be one of the most highly rated young players in the academy at United – but he is naturally a defensive midfielder and that could well be where his long term future lies, despite some recent performances filling in at centre back for the club’s Under 21 side, with coach Warren Joyce suggesting that it may take some time for him to settle on a decision. Would playing McNair really be any difference to switching the likes of Michael Carrick out of position?
Thorpe has been capped at every level from Under 16 to Under 21
Despite his baptism of fire when it comes to senior football at Birmingham City, Thorpe is still rated as a potential star of the future and United first team player – shown by the fact that he has been capped by England at every level from Under 16 to Under 21, where he made his debut for Gareth Southgate’s side in 2013.
McNair was sent off in last season’s UEFA Youth League
Showing a competitive streak, but perhaps also indicating that van Gaal may not be able to fully trust him, McNair’s debut in the UEFA Youth League for United last season ended acrimoniously when he was sent off for two yellow cards against Bayer Leverkusen – a fate that United can’t contemplate as they look to get back on track in the Premier League.
Thorpe is known as a leader and captains United’s Under 21 side
A cool head and endless self-confidence will be needed for a young player set to make their Premier League debut at Old Trafford with United on the ropes – but Thorpe’s position as a known leader may well keep him in this regard. Thorpe is now captain of Warren Joyce’s successful Under 21 side and has impressed with his composure on the ball, as well as his leadership, at that level.
McNair has already scored for United this season
McNair has already found the back of the net for United this season – albeit during their pre-season campaign and against Vanarama Conference new boys Altrincham. The Northern Irishman’s header at Moss Lane was impressive, however – could it still be in the back of Louis van Gaal’s mind?