| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Jacob Patrick John Deveney | ||
| Date of birth | 11 June 2007 | ||
| Place of birth | Barnsley, England | ||
| Position | Midfielder | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | Manchester United | ||
| Youth career | |||
| Manchester United | |||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2025– | Manchester United | 0 | (0) |
| International career | |||
| 2024– | Ireland U19 | 5 | (0) |
| 2025– | Ireland U21 | 5 | (0) |
| * Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 13 August 2025 | |||
Jacob Patrick John Devaney (born 11 June 2007) is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Premier League club Manchester United and Republic of Ireland U21.[1]
Club career
[edit]Devaney joined the Manchester United Academy after being scouted playing locally in Yorkshire and joined their centre of excellence from the age of six years-old. He made his Manchester United U-18 debut at the age of 15 years-old.[2][3]
Despite a stress fracture that ruled him out of action for over a year he signed scholarship terms with Manchester United. He had his first experience of training with the Manchester United first team during the 2023-24 season.[3][4] In May 2025, he was named Manchester United Youth Scholar of the Year.[2] He trained with the first-team squad again under Ruben Amorin in the summer of 2025 pre-season.[5] In the 2025-26 season he captained the Manchester United U21 side at the age of 18 years-old.[2] In November 2025, he scored a solo goal against Notts County in the EFL Trophy, after running 70 yards.[6]
International career
[edit]After declaring for Ireland in 2024, was called up to the Republic of Ireland U19 squad in September 2024.[3][7] He made his Republic of Ireland U21 debut in June 2025 against Croatia U21.[8][9]
Style of play
[edit]Devaney has been described as a physical and press resistant defensive midfielder.[3][5] He has also shown the ability to play in central defence at youth level.[10]
Personal life
[edit]Born in Barnsley, England, Devaney is the son of football coach and former football player Martin Devaney. He has family in Foxrock, Shankill, and Ballina, County Mayo.[3][2]
References
[edit]- ^ "Jacob Devaney". Soccerway. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ^ a b c d "'There have been top Irish players at Manchester United, so hopefully I can be one of the next' – Jacob Devaney on life as a Red Devil". independent.ie. 24 November 2025. Retrieved 23 December 2025.
- ^ a b c d e O'Donoghue, Conor (22 September 2024). "Interview: Martin Devaney opens up about son Jacob Devaney's Ireland call-up and Manchester United journey". The Irish Post. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ^ Price, Ryan (4 September 2024). "Highly rated Manchester United youngster declares for Ireland". Sportsjoe.ie. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ^ a b Oleksii, Yani (11 August 2025). "Manchester United youngster spotted in first-team training - he's compared to Declan Rice. A new rising star?". Tribuna.com. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ^ "Man Utd U21s Jacob Devaney runs SEVENTY yards before brilliant finish!". Sky Sports. 5 November 2025. Retrieved 23 December 2025.
- ^ "Manchester United teen Jacob Devaney declares for Ireland". Irish Examiner. 2 September 2024. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ^ "REPORT - Croatia U21 1-0 Ireland U21". fai.ie. 6 June 2025. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ^ McGoey, Sean (21 May 2025). "Two Manchester United Players Included In Crawford's Ireland U21 squad". Balls.ie. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ^ Stone, Simon (13 November 2025). "Who are Man Utd's most promising youth prospects?". BBC Sport. Retrieved 23 December 2025.