Image Credits: Getty Images
The Manchester United academy is certainly a place for excitement, developing an impressive amount of talented youngsters for the future of football. With some massive signings like Chido Obi-Martin and Samuel Lusale, the future of United is certainly looking bright.
This year has seen academy graduates Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho shoot to success, sealing the FA Cup final win with both men getting on the scoresheet. The two have had such an impressive breakout season that they’re currently both nominated and sat in the top 10 for the UEFA Golden Boy award this year.
So far this pre-season we’ve seen Harry Amass and Tom Collyer both delivering strong performances looking to be the next graduates to step up and make a ame in the first team squad.
Now however, an unexpected appearance from one of United’s wonderkids in the first team’s training session could see the teenager get his shot very soon.
Amir Ibragimov seen in first team training
Amir Ibragimov is held with a hugely high regard by those in the United academy, which is a massive statement on it’s own, but Erik ten Hag clearly shares the same view, bringing him in to the first team’s training session.
United are set to face off against rivals Manchester City in the Community Shield, with training focusing on getting the squad ready for this upcoming battle.
It’s understood that Ibragimov is one of the best talents in the academy at the moment with only a handful of players close to his abilities.
Ibragimov’s fitness may have been an area of concern, with the 16-year-old being left out of various academy tournaments that United have sent squads to compete. However, this may be that ten Hag has bigger plans for the Russian-born England U16 star.
This isn’t the first time the winger has been included in first team training, with the then 15-year-old joining a session back in April 2023. Likened to Wayne Rooney, the impressive teenager is already making ten Hag excited over how he could fit into the team.
It appears that his inclusion in the training is to boost numbers for now, joining the recently returned pre-season tour team.
For the 16-year-old though, his main focus has to be on keeping fit and impressing at the Under-18 and Under-21 levels, featuring in first team training when the opportunity arises.
Hopefully, if all goes well, we’ll be seeing the youngster in United’s pre-season tour team next summer, however with the extent of injuries already affecting the club, Ibragimov may yet get his chance this season.
Image Credits: Manchester United Football Club
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