Who is Joe Rothwell? Manchester United youngster included in squad for Watford

The midfielder could become the 15th academy graduate to be handed a debut by manager Louis van Gaal

Manchester United midfielder Joe Rothwell celebrates scoring against Manchester City (Getty Images)

Manchester United have included Joe Rothwell in the squad for tonight’s Premier League game against Watford.

The Manchester-born midfielder could become the 15^th player to be handed a debut by manager Louis van Gaal after coming through the club’s youth ranks.

Rothwell will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford, who have both seized their first-team opportunities this season.

Here’s everything you need to know about the 21-year-old.

Who is Joe Rothwell?

Birthplace: Manchester
Position: Midfielder
Date of birth: 11 January 1995 (21 years old)
Joined club: 1 July 2001

Background

Although he joined the club as a winger at just six-years-old, Rothwell gradually moved inside to play central midfield during his years in the Old Trafford youth set-up.

He started well during the 2011/12 season, his first with the Under-18s side, only to sustain a long-term injury which sidelined him for six months. The following year, he made up for lost time and was handed professional terms at Old Trafford.

Rothwell appeared regularly for the Under-21s over the course of the next two seasons and, during the second half of 2014/15, joined Championship strugglers Blackpool on loan.

The midfielder was then sent on another temporary move to League One side Barnsley last summer, only for a debilitating bout of tonsillitis to limit him to three appearances. The Terriers terminated his loan contract and, following an operation to remove the affected tonsils, Rothwell lost weight and struggled to regain full fitness.

International career

Rothwell has been capped 16 times by England at under-16, under-17, under-19 and under-20 youth levels, appearing alongside club team-mate Luke Shaw on several occasions.

Style of play

Rothwell is a box-to-box-midfielder, described as one who “likes to drive forward and set up attacks” by his club’s official website.

"I like to get on the ball and drive forward and set up attacks," he said earlier this season. "My main asset is driving past players, beating players and bringing others into play. I’m trying to add a few more goals so hopefully I can do that."

The 21-year-old’s physicality leaves something to be desired – a consequence of his unfortunate weight problem – but he is still highly thought of among United’s coaching ranks.

His misfortune with injuries and illness means many at the club feel his inclusion in the squad for Watford is a deserved opportunity.

How did he do in his last game?

Rothwell played on the right-wing in Monday night’s win at Middlesbrough. In an unfamiliar position, he was largely on the periphery during the 2-1 win but saw a goal wrongly chalked off for offside early in the first half.

Career highlight

Rothwell’s winning goal against rivals Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad earlier this season was well-taken, with the midfielder applying a cool and composed finish to earn a 1-0 lead.

"It's always a nice feeling to score, especially against your local rivals," he told MUTV after the game. "After having quite a bit of a lay-off, it's nice to come back and score the winner.

What they say

"I like to get on the ball and drive forward and set up attacks. My main asset is driving past players, beating players and bringing others into play. I’m trying to add a few more goals so hopefully I can do that." – Joe Rothwell

“Joe has a great burst of energy and can surge through. It’s something he has to work on. He can do that more often." – Nicky Butt, Manchester United’s head of academy.