The group has been boosted by the promotion of 11 first-year scholars, with the likelihood that more new names will follow once international clearance is received.
After a productive week in Austria at the Academy training camp, there has been ample opportunity for the youngsters to bond and build team spirit ahead of the big kick-off. It is anticipated that competition for places will help keep everybody on their toes.
Also, Mason Greenwood may be impressing for the first team on Tour 2019 but he remains eligible for the Under-18s next term.
“It’s a big number of boys,” Ryan told MUTV recently.