Jim Thwaites trained with Manchester United ‘s first team at Carrington on Wednesday, despite being just 16. The highly-rated academy player won the club’s Goal of the Season award at both Under-16 and Under-18 levels last season.

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Thwaites played mainly for the Under-16s last season, but he made nine appearances for the Under-18s and came on as a substitute twice at Under-21 level. He is expected to play a prominent role for Adam Lawrence’s Under-18s this season and the opportunity to train with the first team on Wednesday is recognition of his progress.

It is understood that Man Utd awarded 10 first-year scholarships in July, including Thwaites. The scholarships are awarded to promising young players and are a pathway to signing professional contracts when the players turn 17.