Man Utd Starlet Called Up to Australia's Senior Team
Manchester United youngster James Overy has been named in the Australia national team squad for this month's friendlies against Venezuela and Colombia. Australia coach Tony Popovic has included 11 new players, with Overy among the promising talents.
Rapid Rise Through the Ranks
Overy, who turns 18 this weekend, joined Manchester United in the summer of 2024 on a scholarship before signing a professional contract in July. Following impressive performances at the U20 World Cup, he earned attention leading to his national team call-up.
Early Setbacks and Recovery
After joining United, Overy suffered an eight-month injury layoff but made his comeback with the Under-18s in February, according to the Manchester Evening News. Since then, he has been a regular for Darren Fletcher's Under-18 side and has also appeared for the Under-21s in Premier League 2 and the National League Cup.
“It’s been really hard for James because obviously he’s made the move from Australia and he’s a terrific lad, first of all," said former Under-18s manager Adam Lawrence, praising Overy’s resilience after injury.
First-Team Training Experience
In May, manager Ruben Amorim invited Overy and other youngsters to join first-team training at Carrington ahead of a Premier League match against Chelsea, signaling the club’s belief in his potential.
Summary: James Overy's quick progression, resilience after injury, and inclusion in both club and national team setups highlight his bright future in football.