Ireland under-21 international Jacob Devaney has revealed he is hopeful of breaking into the Man United first team for the upcoming season.

Devaney, 19, is part of the Red Devils’ pre-season tour, starting at right-back for their 1-0 defeat to Championship side Wrexham in Helsinki. And while it was only a friendly, for Devaney, it was a huge learning experience after being moved to full-back from his usual central midfield role.

Speaking after the defeat, Devaney highlighted the valuable lessons learned by playing against seasoned pros like Welsh international Kieffer Moore. ‘Wherever I’m put on the pitch,’ Devaney explained.

‘I played multiple positions in the last year, two years, and no matter who I’m up against, whether it’s the lads in training or lads like Kieffer Moore, I’ll apply myself, and I’ll give 100 per cent, and I’ll always back myself to come out on top as well.’

Since his arrival in January, Head Coach Michael Carrick has been praised for his greater emphasis on the Man United academy, something his predecessor Ruben Amorim was criticised for during his ill-fated spell.

Devaney highlighted the importance of having Carrick present for the academy players’ hopes of reaching the first team.

‘(It’s) really important,’ Devaney said. ‘We speak about it as a group. It’s great to have Michael there at the games. We were in training a week before the first team, and I think he was out at every session with the staff.

‘So 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.’

Jacob Devaney, born in Barnsley, has been part of the Irish set-up since 2024, featuring for both the under-19s and under-21s, earning 14 caps across those two age grades.

He’s one of the bright prospects in Ireland right now, and in as vital a position as centre mid is for Ireland right now, many are hopeful he can break through into Hemir Hallgrimsson’s squad.

He spent the second-half of last season on loan at St Mirren and impressed many at the club. He is now aiming for a full season of first-team football this coming term.

‘Obviously I want to play first-team football, whether that be at Manchester United for the next year or not,’ he said. ‘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.’

Devaney will hopefully be a part of more of United’s pre-season, including their historic clash with Leeds United at Croke Park on August 12.