Manchester United rising talent James Overy has been selected for the Australia national team for friendly matches against Venezuela and Colombia this month. The squad features 11 newcomers, with Overy standing out after his strong performances at the U20 World Cup.
Overy, turning 18 this weekend, joined Manchester United in summer 2024 on a scholarship and signed a professional contract in July. In May, manager Ruben Amorim invited him and other young players to train with the first team ahead of a Premier League match against Chelsea.
After joining the club, Overy faced an eight-month injury layoff but made his debut for the Under-18s in February, according to Manchester Evening News. Since then, he has been a regular for Darren Fletcher's Under-18 side and has also played 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 to MUTV.
Overy’s quick recovery and steady progress highlight his potential as he steps up to international football.
Summary: James Overy's call-up to the Australia senior team reflects his impressive development at Manchester United despite a significant injury setback.