Ruud van Nistelrooy calls up Man United’s U18 sensation Daniel Armer to first senior training session

Manchester United need to get their dismal Europa League back on track when they face PAOK at Old Trafford on Thursday after three draws in as many games before.

The Red Devils are languishing in 21st position and need a win desperately and interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy spoke of his single-minded focus on getting the team all three points during the pre-match press conference.

There is good news on the injury front with Tyrell Malacia close to a first-team return while Leny Yoro has also returned to first-team training.

However, with plenty of senior defenders out injured, and academy regulars like Harry Amass, Jayce Fitzgerald, Jack Fletcher and Ethan Wheatley busy with UEFA Youth League preparations, the interim boss called up a fresh face to first team training.

Academy update

The Manchester Evening News revealed that 17-year-old Daniel Armer was called up alongside Jack Kingdon for Wednesday’s training session.

“With injuries easing, there weren’t as many youngsters involved in training on Wednesday and some of the regular faces from recent weeks were absent.

“Defenders Daniel Armer and Jack Kingdon were the only youngsters in this session.”

Academy Scoop, a popular X account with inside knowledge of the academy, has revealed that academy coaches rate him highly after a brilliant breakthrough season for the U18s last time out as they bagged a treble.

Armer’s first senior training session

“17 year-old centre-back Dan Armer took part in Manchester United’s first-team training session ahead of their Europa League clash with PAOK.

“The youngster is highly rated within the club,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

He is now a regular for the U18s, having made eight appearances, and his first taste of senior team training will do him a world of good.

While a matchday squad call-up might still be someway off, United have a great record with integrating youth products into the first team and this is just the start for Armer.