The young defender has settled in well since making his first-team debut in November and could become a vital member of the squad at Old Trafford for several years to come
Manchester United and big-name players have always gone hand in hand.
And while Cameron Borthwick-Jackson gives the concept a new slant with his 23-letter moniker - a club record - the initial signs suggest he will be remembered in the longer term for more than just his name.
His placing at 33rd in Goal’s list of the 50 best Under-18 players in the world could be just the start of the accolades for a youngster who is quietly going about the business of making himself a key member of United’s first-team squad.
Any United fan who casts a keen eye over the club’s youth system will have known for some time that the young left-back was a significant candidate for promotion to the first team. So when Louis van Gaal found his hands tied earlier this season by a succession of injuries there was no surprise that Borthwick-Jackson was trusted to step up to the mark.
Indeed, the 18-year-old was given his senior debut even before Marcos Rojo’s shoulder surgery left United seriously short of left-backs, replacing the Argentine as a late substitute against West Brom at Old Trafford in November.
"I am always talking with him, and [Under-18 coach] Paul McGuinness and [Under-21 coach] Warren Joyce confirmed he is in good shape," Van Gaal told MUTV after the 2-0 win.
"I put Cameron in the team without any fear and I have to say he did very well."
REVEALED |
**
Luke Shaw’s double leg-break and Antonio Valencia’s foot injury had exposed the lack of depth at full-back and encouraged Van Gaal to bring Borthwick-Jackson into the mix as an extra option at left-back.
Born in Manchester, he was first signed up to the club’s academy as a six-year-old. His gradual rise, which took in a starring role in the successful 2014 Milk Cup campaign, promised big things. Few defensive-minded left-backs immediately catch the eye at youth level but Borthwick-Jackson’s quality has long been a source of deep satisfaction within United’s youth ranks.
With a tall frame and a timely spring, Borthwick-Jackson’s aerial ability makes him an imposing defensive presence even if his narrow build offers room for increased power. He is also mature for a rookie defender and has a burst of speed over short distances which belies his unorthodox running action.
One thing that always comes in handy when a player is attempting to break into a first-team squad is versatility, and Borthwick-Jackson certainly holds that trump card too. His ability to play at centre-back could well see him gain further recognition down the line, with three of his six Under-21 Premier League appearances this season having already come at the heart of the defence.
Cameron Borthwick-Jackson's inclusion in Goal.com's list of the world's 50 best Under-18 players is fair reward for his progress so far...
Posted by Kris Voakes on Wednesday, 20 January 2016
**
**
On Sunday, the young defender was thrown in at the deep end once more. When Ashley Young injured his groin shortly before half-time against Liverpool there was never any doubt it would be Borthwick-Jackson replacing him. He came on to produce one of his most convincing performances yet as United left Anfield with a crucial 1-0 victory which throws them right back into the title race.
But that kind of performance is quickly becoming par for the course. Whether it has been a Champions League crunch match at Wolfsburg, a season-saving clash with Chelsea or a visit to arch-rivals Liverpool, Borthwick-Jackson has taken it all in his stride.
His is a name that will become even bigger as his star continues to rise.
- Goal**