Last week, Axel Tuanzebe had us frantically taking to Google to find out who Louis van Gaal had promoted to his matchday squad.
And the Manchester United manager has repeated the trick for Saturday’s clash against West Brom, handing Cameron Borthwick-Jackson a surprise call-up.
After Tuanzebe sat on the bench for the 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace, he has dropped back into the youth set-up with Borthwick-Jackson replacing him for the West Brom match.
With the likes of Paddy McNair and Luke Shaw out of action, Van Gaal is giving the next generation a taste of the senior squad to prepare them in case they are needed.
Borthwick-Jackson, who is a left-back, has played for England U17 and was part of the United squad that contested the FA Youth Cup last season. This season, he has appeared for United sides coached by both Nicky Butt [U19] and Warren Joyce [U21].
The Manchester native is described as ‘elegant on the ball but a strong tackler’ in his club profile and featured in the youth side’s successful Milk Cup run in 2013.
Borthwick-Jackson made his U21 debut at the tender age of 16. Earlier this year, Joyce commented: “Cameron has been excellent really this season. He has gone from strength to strength.”
