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Rising stars have continued to bolster the ranks at Manchester United this season.
Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi-Martin were both signed this season and have made impressions in the first team, after progressing from the academy.
Heaven, in particular, made his presence known after joining from Arsenal in January.
The 18-year-old made his Premier League debut against his former club, before enjoying an assured half of football against Leicester City.
A foot injury would unfortunately halt the 18-year-old’s momentum, but he is expected to return imminently and will have a part to play before the season ends.
The United first team, whilst featuring players just making their breakthroughs, also boasts several players from the academy who have established themselves as core members.
Alejandro Garnacho made his impact in 2022 and has since gone on to make 134 appearances for United, with Kobbie Mainoo being another youngster with a similar story.
The next players to make their move for Ruben Amorim’s first team are currently biding their time in the academy squads, but fans may not have to wait much longer to see one make the step.
14-year-old JJ Gabriel made an impressive impact for the U18s on his debut last week, coming off the bench to score a brace.
And last night, Noah Ajayi, a 16-year-old winger, made his debut for the U21s, despite not yet making his U18s debut.
United beat Reading 4-1, with goals from Samuel Mather, Gabe Biancheri and James Scanlon.
Ajayi played just the final minutes but will hope his appearance will be the first of many, before the ultimate step-up to the first team.
Sharp and with an impressive finish, Ajayi could present another exciting option for Amorim in the future.
Noah Ajayi makes his Under-21s debut before his Under-18s debut! pic.twitter.com/MyZJiRr8Od
— Academy Arena (@academyarenaUTD) April 11, 2025
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Source: Centred Devils