Both Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo have enjoyed breakthrough campaigns while four other starlets have gone on to make their first-team debut this season.

Dan Gore, Willy Kambwala, Omari Forson and most recently Ethan Wheatley all won their first senior cap as the academy reached the prized number of 250 academy graduates who have gone on to represent the senior team.

More could be on the way with Harry Amass, Habeeb Ogunneye and Jack Kingdon all making it to matchday squads this season while Shea Lacey missed out after suffering a cruel season-ending injury at the worst time.

Academy’s rising status

While the academy and the graduates are rightly being celebrated, plenty of fans might have forgotten about Shola Shoretire, who had broken through under former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The 20-year-old got his big break against Newcastle United back in February 2021 when he was only 17 years 19 days, making him the seventh-youngest club debutant.

The young Englishman then proceeded to break the long-standing record of Norman Whiteside when he made his European debut against Real Sociedad in the Europa League at the age of 17 years and 23 days, surpassing the previous record by 108 days.

He was expected to become a bonafide first team member under Erik ten Hag but that never materialised as injuries started floundering his progress.

Shoretire made it to the matchday squad in all competitions last term but this term, he was only on the bench for the game against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup.

For the U21s, he has nine goals and four assists in 12 games and has even captained them but has not managed to make the squad since January, probably due to a minor injury as well as the uncertainty surrounding his future at the club.

The England U19 international’s current deal expires in June and United’s contract offer remains on the table as relayed by The Peoples Person.

Shoretire’s exit

The club’s initial plan was to agree a new deal so as to protect his value and send Shoretire out on loan with plenty of EFL and foreign clubs interested including Turkish giants Galatasaray.

United had mulled over a sale as well but as The Manchester Evening News have now reported, the Newcastle-born star could be set to leave the club on a free.

“Manchester United remain hopeful youngster Shola Shoretire will sign a new contract with the club.

“Shoretire, 20, is out of contract at Old Trafford at the end of the season and it looks increasingly likely the curtains could be brought down on his time spent in Manchester.”

The versatile star has outgrown reserve football and needs regular minutes. With so many younger academy graduates already impressing the Dutch boss, a parting of ways might be the best way for Shoretire to get his career back on track.

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The post Manchester United could be about to lose Shola Shoretire on a free this summer appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

It represents a pure profit and is invaluable in terms of FFP rules but with the club known for its youth-first approach, there have been reservations about the new trend.

Some stars like Anthony Elanga and James Garner have already made United rue the decision of selling them while fans were upset that Isak-Hansen Aaroen left in January.

The likes of Hannibal Mejbri and Alvaro Fernandez could also be on their way and as per Turkish outlet Aspor, Shola Shoretire could be about to follow suit.

Shola on his way out

The Red Devils had initially planned to offer the 20-year-old a new deal before sending him out on loan or even selling him.

But nothing transpired during the winter transfer window, but come summer, the United academy graduate could be leaving for Galatasaray on a two-year loan.

Shoretire has been linked with moves to Championship clubs but joining the Turkish giants and playing in the Champions League would represent a significant step-up.

The defending Turkish champions had wanted to sign Christian Eriksen in January but now seem to have moved on to younger targets for the long haul.

“Galatasaray is planning to add Shola Shoretire, who plays for Manchester United, to its squad for the new season.

“The yellow-reds aim to rent the 20-year-old football player for 2 seasons. The English team was keen on loaning out the successful midfielder to Galatasaray.

“Shola Shoretire is keen on joining the yellow-red team. The transfer is expected to be clarified in the coming days. With this transfer, Galatasaray will replace Dries Mertens with a talented and young star.”

Shola’s missed opportunity

The England U19 international got his big break under former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and made his United first-team debut when he came on against Newcastle United back in February 2021.

He then proceeded to break the long-standing record of Norman Whiteside when he made his European debut against Real Sociedad in the Europa League at the age of 17 years and 23 days, surpassing the previous record by 108 days.

The academy graduate has scored nine times and assisted a further four goals in 12 appearances for United’s reserve side.

He has made it to the matchday squad under Ten Hag for Premier League, Carabao Cup, and Europa League matches but is yet to make an appearance under the Dutchman.

Injuries have curtailed his progress and it seems to be increasingly likely that Shoretire’s future lies away from Old Trafford.

The post Galatasaray keen on Man United academy sensation Shola Shoretire appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Read the detailed match report of all the action here.

(A score of 6 is around average)

Elyh Harrison – 6.5 – Made some really good saves but his mistake when claiming a cross gave Chelsea a goal and his over casual approach to playing out from the back caused United some problems.

James Nolan – 5.5 – Had a bit of a hard time with Chelsea’s pace down their left wing and was caught napping on a few occasions before coming off with an injury.

Rhys Bennett – 6 – Similarly struggled with the pace and running down Chelsea’s left channel in the first half. Moved to right back in the second half and handled himself well, even making some charging runs to support the attack but allowed Tyrique George to cut in too easily for the match winner.

Sonny Aljofree – 7 – A solid performance with a number of tackles and blocks. Did well pushing forward into midfield to win challenges and was composed on the ball.

Sam Murray – 7.5 – Was put under a lot of pressure particularly in the second half and performed valiantly especially with some superb back post defending to cut out dangerous crosses.

Tom Huddlestone – 6.5 – Just kept it simple for the most part and let the young players do their thing but adds good composure on the ball to take the ball in tight spots and play through pressure.

Maxi Oyedele – 7 – Had a fine first half at both ends of the pitch, tracking back with some vital tackles and his energy and drive opened up opportunities in attack. Came off at half-time for an unknown reason.

Shola Shoretire – 8.5 – Two brilliantly taken goals including one of the best volleys you’ll see this season. Continues to show he is a step above this level and his decisiveness and quick thinking in attack stood above the rest of the team with clinical end product which the others lacked.

Isak Hansen-Aaroen – 7 – His ability to dribble out of tight spots was sublime, drawing in two and three defenders before spinning away with ease but after excellently opening space he let himself down with his final pass. Did play a nice cross field pass in the build up to Shoretire’s second.

Sam Mather – 5.5 – Involved in some early chances but made the wrong decision or was too slow to execute the finish before drifting out of the match.

Ethan Wheatley – 5 – Struggled to keep hold of the ball and withstand the physical play of Chelsea’s centre backs.

Substitutes

Toby Collyer – 6.5 – Did a solid job breaking up play in midfield and moved the ball around quickly.

Ruben Curley – 7 – Added some drive and athleticism in midfield with his charging runs and ability to shrug off challenges and also worked hard defensively.

Charlie McNeill – N/A – Didn’t really get involved at all during his time on the pitch.

The post Player Ratings: Chelsea u21s 3-2 Manchester United u21s appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Chelsea threatened early through Leo Castledine who broke down the left wing and attempted to chip the ball over Elyh Harrison but the keeper managed to dangle out a leg to send it wide for a corner.

The resulting corner saw Chelsea put the ball in the back of the net following a scramble but it was quickly chalked off for offside.

Still in the opening five minutes, Sam Mather poked the ball through for Ethan Wheatley and the striker stretched to tip it in but the Chelsea keeper reached it first.

In the 28th minute, clear fouls on Shola Shoretire and Isak Hansen-Aaroen were waved off which allowed Chelsea to counter attack with Castledine forcing another good save from Harrison.

But just a minute later, Harrison came to collect a cross and dropped the ball allowing Chelsea’s Donnell McNeilly to strike the ball off the bar and down bouncing just over the line.

United had a chance to equalise before the break when Maxi Oyedele broke past a challenge on the right side to charge into the box and cut back for Sam Murray to strike but a great save from Max Merrick kept it 0-1.

Chelsea then doubled their lead moments before the half time whistle with McNeilly grabbing his second after controlling a low cross into the box and finishing past Harrison.

A late injury to James Nolan saw Toby Collyer introduced and Ruben Curley also entered the fray at the break for Maxi Oyedele.

Curley made an instant impact spreading the play nicely to Mather who cut in onto his right but couldn’t get enough curl on his effort to hit the target.

Curley then drove into the box, passing to Wheatley before getting it back and finding Shoretire who dispatched with his left foot.

Shola Shoretire’s first goal last night vs Chelsea pic.twitter.com/YHJh6a5ZJe

— Manchester United Academy (@RedYouthUnited) January 13, 2024

Five minutes later, an unbelievable goal from Shoretire drew it level as he popped the ball up before volleying past the keeper.

Shola Shoretire’s second, an incredible volley that you fail to see better for some time. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/aeSj0ImDfK

— Manchester United Academy (@RedYouthUnited) January 13, 2024

The match then looked like it would play out as a draw but a crushing blow came in injury time when Tyrique George cut inside past Rhys Bennett and smashed into the top right corner to win the match for Chelsea.

The loss sees United stay in the middle of the table in 12th place out of 26 teams.

United: Harrison, Nolan (Collyer 45), Bennett, Aljofree, Murray, Huddlestone, Oyedele (Curley 46), Shoretire, Hansen-Aaroen (McNeill 79), Mather, Wheatley

Unused subs: Mee, McAllister

The post Academy Match report: Chelsea u21s 3-2 Manchester United u21s appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

The tie – which takes place on Monday at 8.15pm at the DW Stadium – is United’s only realistic route to a trophy this season, having already been eliminated from the Champions League and Carabao Cup.

They sit eighth in the league, with a negative goal difference, and not even the most ardent of fans would suggest a title challenge is possible. A shot at fourth feels a stretch at present. As such, the magic of the FA Cup constitutes the last chance at success for United.

The competition has always represented a good opportunity to blood younger players into the senior squad, however.

Though Wigan were once in the Premier League, and even won the FA Cup itself (a memorable 2-0 win over Manchester City), they have fallen on tougher times since. They currently languish in 17th place in League One, having only one won from their last six.

Despite United’s own wobbly form, Ten Hag’s side should have more than enough to comfortably overcome their North Western rivals. This would create the perfect opportunity for some of the academy players who have trained this week to put theory into practice in men’s football.

Maxi Oyedele, Omari Forson, Isak Hansen-Aaroen, Joe Hugill, Shola Shoretire and Sam Murray were all spotted being put through their paces with first-team this week. They were joined by recent debutant, Dan Gore.

Though Shoretire has made five senior appearances, he is yet to feature for United under Ten Hag.

Similarly, Forson has featured in two Champions League match-day squads but is awaiting his first competitive minutes on the pitch. None of Hansen-Aaroen, Hugill or Murray have made their first-team debuts either.

All six players will be hoping to follow the recent example of Gore, who made his first senior appearance in the Carabao Cup earlier in the season, before marking his Premier League debut on Boxing Day against Aston Villa.

Since joining the club, Ten Hag has consistently shown his commitment to honour the tradition at Old Trafford of putting faith in young players.

Gore, Facundo Pellistri, Kobbie Mainoo and Willy Kambwala are all academy graduates who have made their senior debuts under the Dutchman. The aforementioned group invited to training this week will each be hoping that list grows by one come Monday evening.

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Already, the club has opted to trigger the one-year extension option in Victor Lindelof’s current deal while the club is also thinking of exercising the same option for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Jonny Evans, who signed a one-year deal in the summer, has impressed Erik ten Hag who has recommended to the club to keep the Northern Irishman for another season.

Academy players like Hannibal Mejbri and Joe Hugill are also set to get the same treatment pretty soon if reports are to be believed.

Contract negotiations

While the club wants to keep hold of certain players for the long term, in some cases, the club simply want to protect his value before moving them on.

That might be what the Red Devils are thinking of doing with academy graduate Shola Shoretire. United plan to offer a new deal to the 19-year-old before sending him out on loan in January.

The Manchester Evening News has reported that there is plenty of loan interest for the young midfielder. At the same time, there is a distinct possibility that he might be sold after being overtaken by plenty of academy stars in recent years.

“Manchester United are in preliminary talks with Shola Shoretire over a new contract as they plan a loan exit for him in the January transfer window.

“The Manchester Evening News understands Shoretire received interest from Championship clubs and abroad last summer and is attracting plenty of attention again this month.

“A permanent exit this year also can’t be ruled out and United are eager for the teenager to sign a new deal before any potential loan move in order to protect his value in case he is sold.”

Shoretire got his big break under former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and made his United first-team debut when he came on against Newcastle United back in February 2021.

He then proceeded to break the long-standing record of Norman Whiteside when he made his European debut against Real Sociedad in the Europa League at the age of 17 years and 23 days, surpassing the previous record by 108 days.

Shola’s future up in the air

He was extremely highly-rated coming up through the academy only for injuries to flounder his progress in recent times.

Last season, the England U19 international earned a loan move to Bolton Wanderers and it was his first-ever senior experience and was a mixed bag. Injuries meant he missed out on a chance to go out on loan in the summer.

The academy graduate has been one of the standout performers of the reserve team this season, scoring seven times and assisting four more goals in 11 appearances and it is clear to see that he has outgrown reserve football.

He has made it to the matchday squad under Ten Hag for Premier League, Carabao Cup, and Europa League matches but is yet to make an appearance under the Dutchman,

In recent years, the likes of Dan Gore, Hannibal Mejbri, and Kobbie Mainoo have stolen a march on him and a critical time is coming up for the youngster.

The post Man United open to moving on Shola Shoretire despite new contract offer appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Despite a successful debut season, the Dutchman is already in danger of losing his job with new incoming minority shareholder speaking with potential replacements like Julen Lopetegui and Graham Potter.

To make matters worse, his United team are set for a trip to face Liverpool On Sunday to follow up their spineless defeat against Bournemouth in the Premier League and Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

ETH watching Shola

Fans are already worried about a repeat of last season’s horror show, especially with reports indicating the Red Devils could be without several high-profile stars for the Anfield clash.

One area where the manager is extremely short-staffed is in attacking midfield with skipper Bruno Fernandes missing out due to suspension and Mason Mount because of injury.

Scott McTominay can play there but as per All Nigeria Soccer, the Dutch boss checked out young Shola Shoretire during training before Sunday’s game.

“Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag ran the rule over Flying Eagles-eligible attacking midfielder Shola Shoretire ahead of his side’s blockbuster Premier League meeting with Liverpool at Anfield, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

“With a bloated injury list to contend with, Ten Hag monitored Shoretire at close quarters during Friday’s training session at Carrington Training Ground with a view to his inclusion in the matchday squad against Liverpool.”

The academy graduate has been one of the standout performers of the reserve team this season, scoring seven times and assisting four more goals in 11 appearances.

Shola needs senior football

The 19-year-old has five senior appearances for the first team, having broken through under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and he has outgrown reserve football.

Last season, Shoretire earned a loan move to Bolton Wanderers and it was his first-ever senior experience and was a mixed bag. Injuries meant he missed out on a chance to go out on loan in the summer.

The England U19 international is versatile and can play in midfield and has made it to the matchday squad under Ten Hag for Premier League, Carabao Cup, and Europa League matches.

If not Liverpool, a chance certainly beckons soon, either at his parent club or via the loan route in January. He deserves it.

The post Erik ten Hag has looked at Shola Shoretire during training appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

The match got off at an incredible pace with Joe Hugill darting 50 yards down the left wing before centreing to Shola Shoretire, whose poor first touch fortunately fell right into the path of James Nolan to smash low into the net in the first minute.

From the proceeding kick off, Newcastle produced an immediate reply with James Huntley winning the header at the back post to draw it level.

Into the 16th minute, Mateo Mejia linked up with Hugill down the right wing and was taken down when driving into the box to win a penalty for United.

The clinical Hugill stepped up and made no mistake putting it into the bottom left corner.

Hugill was the danger man again shortly after when he latched onto Sonny Aljofree’s ball over the top and showed his strength before laying off to Mejia, who was denied by a fantastic save and then was tripped up while going for the rebound but it wasn’t enough to convince the referee.

Just before the half ended, Shoretire drove through the middle before being taken down to earn a free kick in a dangerous area. Free kick specialist Sam Mather came within inches of extending United’s lead as his effort struck the crossbar.

Early in the second half, Newcastle came out flying and a cross from the left side evaded everyone in the box until Dylan Stephenson hit on the half volley at the back post past Tom Wooster.

It wasn’t level for long though, Mejia ran down the right wing and into the box before cutting back to Shoretire to side foot in from eight yards.

Newcastle’s Stephenson crept in behind Aljofree late on looking for an equaliser but Wooster came up with a big save to clinch the three points for Travis Binnion’s side.

Despite the win, Binnion wasn’t left impressed with the amount of chances allowed to the opposition but did say “it wasn’t a great game of football. But, we have come out on the wrong end of too many games this season, that we’ve dominated and took nothing from, so I think it is important that they understand how to win games of football.”

United: Wooster (Plumley 90+5), Nolan, Bennett, Aljofree, Murray, Huddlestone, Oyedele, Mejia (Musa 72), Shoretire, Mather (Wheatley 87), Hugill

Unused subs: Fitzgerald

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United took an early lead at Leigh Sports Village in just the 7th minute through Joe Hugill.

Isak Hansen-Aaroen took out the Everton defender with a perfectly weighted through ball to Sam Murray racing towards the byline to cut back for Hugill to slot home from six yards out.

The young Reds doubled their lead on the half hour mark with a clever free kick from Shola Shoretire.

After being fouled on the edge of the box, Shoretire stepped up to cleverly roll a shot under the jumping Everton wall and into the bottom left corner.

Hansen-Aaroen had a chance to make it three just before the break, but the young midfielder could not keep his curled effort on target.

It went into the break 2-0 to United with Travis Binnion’s side controlling much of the first half.

Everton pulled one back early into the second half though. A counter attack opened the chance for Sean McAllister to get down the right wing and float a misguided cross straight into the back of Elyh Harrison’s goal.

United restored their two goal lead in the 79th minute when Hugill added his second of the match and seventh on the season.

United’s high press paid off and Mateo Mejia was able to win possession high up the pitch to quickly play Hugill into the box to finish low from a wide angle.

Hugill’s brace was enough to secure the three points for United and move them up to 10th in the table and securely in a play-off qualification spot.

United: Harrison, Nolan (Kambwala 62), Aljofree, Murray, Bennett, Shoretire, Collyer, Hansen-Aaroen (Huddlestone 73), Mejia, Hugill, Ennis (Mather 46)

Unused subs: Wooster, Curley

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Read the detailed match report of all the action here.

(A score of 6 is around average)

Elyh Harrison – 6 – Saved the easy shots and wasn’t really at fault for any of the goals conceded, although could have possibly got a better dive on Salford’s second goal. As composed as ever with passing the ball out from the back.

James Nolan – 6 – Involved in some good passing down the wing but was loose with possession too often. Showed good maturity under pressure with a clever ability to draw a foul though.

Willy Kambwala – 5 – A mixed bag of a performance, he swept up with a couple of very important interceptions but you can’t look past his involvement in Salford’s first two goals. Backed off far too much allowing them to run unopposed to the edge of the box twice in the span of five minutes and he was punished both times.

Rhys Bennett – 7.5 – Another good performance from Bennett, he was particularly good on the ball when working out of the press. Showed a good range of passing and dribbling to kickstart attacks. Defensively he was also solid with a number of good interceptions and clearances. Conceded the penalty for Salford’s winner but it looked harsh and was just normal contact expected when challenging for a cross.

Sam Murray – 6.5 – Nothing spectacular but provided an outlet down the left wing and largely kept it simple.

Toby Collyer – 6.5 – Kept the ball ticking over in midfield and did well breaking up play with six tackles, but his errant pass did lead to one of Salford’s goals.

Dan Gore – 7.5 – Central to United’s play going forward which was sensational at times. Picked out forward and incisive passes while rarely ever losing possession and it seemed the only way to stop him was by fouling him. Could have also arguably earned a penalty but for Shoretire immediately finishing the move with a goal.

Kobbie Mainoo – 8 – Started off the match with a great through ball and then another line breaking pass from deep which looked to set him apart from the rest. Ended up with two assists and could have possibly earned a penalty. Only possible criticism was that he spent too many spells in peripheral wide areas which lessened his impact.

Omari Forson – 8 – A very silky performance, he was exceptional in the tight central areas outside Salford’s box in keeping possession and evading tackles. Was rewarded with a goal for his efforts with the help of a deflection.

Joe Hugill – 5 – Just didn’t get involved and was largely a non-entity, not managing to get a single shot off in 90 minutes.

Shola Shoretire – 8.5 – Two goals and a fabulous performance all around, he was incisive in the opposition box and involved in much of United’s good play. Also worked hard going backwards and made a number of tackles.

Substitutes

Ethan Ennis – 6 – Provided energy and directness on the wing after his introduction although the final quality was missing. Conceded the first penalty with a handball but it is harsh to blame him for it.

Tom Huddlestone – N/A – Came on in the dying stages and didn’t make much of an impression.

Mateo Mejia – N/A – Not on for long enough.

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