Midfielder Billy Blacker made big steps last season, often captaining the Under 21s side but also enjoying a spell in the first team where he made his debut against Cardiff City in the FA Cup, following that up with a Championship debut against Swansea City a few weeks later.

Formerly a striker in the Under 18s, Blacker has become a controlling presence in the United academy midfield and will spend the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Tranmere Rovers in the EFL.