Cameron Borthwick-Jackson was loaned out to Wolves this season with the hopes of giving the young Manchester United defender some needed game time.
Under Louis van Gaal, it appeared as though Borthwick-Jackson was the next in line to the left-back spot after Luke Shaw.
However, Shaw is well out of favour with Jose Mourinho, meaning United have played Daley Blind, Matteo Darmian and Marcos Rojo at left-back, with all three of them failing to impress.
Borthwick-Jackson has barely played at Wolves though, having missed out on any first team action since November, although does keep in regular contact with Mourinho.
I speak to him all the time. He’s always keeping eyes on me and he has people watching. When I first came into pre-season I got injured early on, and as I recovered he asked me how I was and things like that.
When I came back he said: ‘the squad’s a bit too big but I see a future for you here’ and that I’m a ‘top player’. He told me to go out and get some experience.
It appears as though Paul Lambert, who became the manager in November, doesn’t rate him, as Borthwick-Jackson hasn’t played a single game under him.
Cameron has always been part of the plans but Doherty has been playing extremely well. And Doherty’s consistent. Cameron, like everyone else, has got to fight his way in the side. I’ve had a chat with him, there are no issues at all. He knows himself he has to compete with Doc, plus Saville’s gone in there and done a great job when called upon. It’s like anything, you have to fight to get in. Matt is consistent, robust and plays to a high standard. I’ve got a lot of lads that want to play.
However, it has been confirmed that Borthwick-Jackson will play for United’s U-23s this evening in the game against Porto. The loan deal has not ended but rules state that players can return to their parent club to play, as long as it’s not for the first team.
------------
The RoM Manchester United 2024-25 season preview is now available. It includes articles from the country's best football writers about our expectations for the season ahead and our brightest talents, as well as proposed transfer business and which youth players to keep an eye out for. All profit goes to The Christie so please support this fantastic cause.