Topics: Manchester United, Carabao Cup, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Erik Ten Hag, Leicester City
Ruud van Nistelrooy is set to make a huge call for Manchester United's Carabao Cup tie against Leicester City this evening.
It was announced that the United legend will take charge of the side for the game at Old Trafford after taking on the role of interim manager following Erik ten Hag's sacking on Monday.
Jayce Fitzgerald, 17, is set to be included in United’s match-day squad for the first time today, according to Scoop.
There is also a suggestion that he will come into the fold to replace Christian Eriksen, who may be struggling with an injury. However, this is yet to be confirmed by the club.
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The Salford-born centre-midfielder is currently part of the Red Devils' Under-18 set-up, with his impressive performances catching the eye of England, who he has played for at Under-15 and Under-17 level.
Last season, Fitzgerald made 16 appearances for United's Under-18s, scoring three times as the team won the title and Premier League Cup.
He also stepped up to Under-21 level playing six times for Travis Binnion's side.
Throughout the club's history United have put a huge emphasis on the importance of academy products, with the club naming an academy graduate in every match-day squad for over 86 years.
Fitzgerald will no doubt be hoping to follow in the footsteps of former academy players Paul Scholes, Marcus Rashford and Ryan Giggs.
It is thought that Fitzgerald had trained with the first-team while Ten Hag was at the helm with the youngster pictured training alongside the United squad during a practice session in November 2023.
Of course, with a new era on the horizon at Old Trafford it would be fitting that a new star takes centre-stage. If the 17-year-old is in fact included in Van Nistelrooy's first squad this does not mean he will get any playing time. But when opportunity knocks, young players have to be ready to take their chance.
A similar situation allowed Rashford to burst onto the scene with a brace on debut in February 2016. United's potential new manager Ruben Amorim may well be keen to continue the tradition of investing in youth.
European football expert Andy Brassell explained the Portuguese's ability to develop young players.
"He is the right person at the right time for this job, a serial rebuilder and an encourager and developer of young players," he wrote for the Premier League.
"Amorim is a coach in the purest sense of the word, who improves players," Brassell added.
