Manchester United are in need of defensive reinforcements right now, and a fresh face has been sighted in training.

Lisandro Martinez isn’t the only Manchester United defender injured. Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Tyrell Malacia all missed yesterday’s training session, with just Shaw able to recuperate for the weekend’s game against Luton.

Victor Lindelof might be moved to full-back as cover, freeing up room for a young centre-back to join Willy Kambwala in first team training.

Enter Louis Jackson, a highly rated centre-back prospect who has played for the under-18s this season, winning 14 and drawing one of 15 league games.

Louis Jackson trains with the first team.

Louis Jackson was the unexpected star of Manchester United’s FA Youth Cup-winning squad.

While he had previously played in the competition, he was called up to the XI at the last minute due to Tyler Fredricson’s illness. He began the 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford despite being only 16 years old.

In 2022, The Guardian named Jackson Manchester United’s most talented player of his age. That may not have been entirely accurate, given that Kobbie Mainoo is one of his classmates, but it does indicate how well-regarded he is.

The defender has been a constant performer in the academy over the last year, most notably scoring the winner in the under-18s derby versus City before shouting ‘Manchester is red’.

The Scotland youth international has previously trained with the first team, as seen last September during the escalating injury problem, and Erik ten Hag appears to be leaving the door open for him to impress.

Jackson has made 21 appearances at youth level for United this season, including four for the under-21s.

Ethan Williams is still involved.

Earlier this week, we reported that promising winger Ethan Williams was also sighted in first team training.

Williams has been prolific at the academy level this season, contributing 19 goals, 12 goals, and seven assists.

He was still participating in the most recent practice, with Erik ten Hag eager to get the club’s best prospects mixed up with first-team players. This strategy allowed him the confidence to regularly put Kobbie Mainoo into the first team, with the midfielder impressing him, his coaching staff, and the senior players.