Michael Carrick must fast-track Jim Thwaites after England decision that shows his true level

Manchester United academy midfielder Jim Thwaites is considered one of the finest prospects at Carrington, and now he has been recognised by the English set-up.

This season has seen Jim Thwaites take to life playing U21 football really smoothly, with his technical level already Premier League standard. At 18, just physicality and experience are denying Thwaites from being an option for Michael Carrick immediately.

However, with Thwaites handed an England U20 call-up this week, it might be a sign that United need to fast-track Thwaites into first-team competition sooner rather than later. The teenager is already on the fringes, but the company he is now keeping shows that he should be making appearances.

Man Utd's academy is stacked with talent – Who will you be paying attention to?

Thwaites’ being drafted into the England U20 side is a huge moment for him, as it represents the midfielder’s first recognition by his nation, in which he is playing two years up. This places Thwaites in a group with players who are in a much more advanced place in their careers.

Thwaites played for United during pre-season, but has yet to make his competitive debut for the club. Meanwhile, every other midfielder in the England U20 squad has already achieved this.

Compared to these, Thwaites hasn’t even been afforded a cup minute for United, despite Michael Carrick rating him highly and clearly lining him up for the future.

By Thwaites getting this call-up for England, he will see that he is ready and capable of playing first-team football, unveiling his actual level, which is no longer a prospect, but a footballer who is ready to play a proper role at a senior level.

It therefore won’t be long until Thwaites has loan interest and probably also clubs trying to sign him permanently once he gets to shine for his country. So Carrick should be ready to push him into the senior ranks immediately.

United need to see his potential and ability, or someone else will.

He's got all the tools to excel in the Manchester United first-team…

The departure of JJ Gabriel is going to hurt United a lot, purely because he was almost certain to become a £100m talent in his career. But it is far from a big blow, United have several talents destined for the top, Thwaites is one.

Carrick has already integrated Shea Lacey and Harry Amass this season, and next up should be Thwaites into the midfield as the fifth choice behind the first-teamers. United are out of the Carabao Cup, but there will still be plenty of games in which Thwaites could get minutes, particularly after Christmas when the FA Cup starts.

Barring injuries, Thwaites’ debut will likely come in the FA Cup in January, if we had to guess. Simply due to United having four senior midfielders above him.