Manchester United’s Academy Success Threatened as Shola Shoretire’s Future Hangs in the Balance
Manchester United has recently been reaping the rewards of its successful academy system.
FA Youth Cup-winning duo Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo have become regulars in the first team, saving the club significant transfer fees.
Ethan Wheatley, a young striker, made his debut last week after contributing to the under-18s team’s double success.
However, one player, once considered Manchester United’s brightest youth prospect, risks being left behind.
Shola Shoretire, who made his first-team debut in 2021, is struggling to break into the team under Erik ten Hag. Now 20, Shoretire’s current contract with the club is set to expire this summer.
Despite interest from top clubs like Juventus, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain, Shoretire chose to follow his dream at United. However, his lack of playing time raises questions about whether he made the right choice.
Although Shoretire made the United first-team bench for the FA Cup tie at Wigan Athletic in January, he did not play, marking his only involvement this season.
He has a total of five appearances for the club, two under Ralf Rangnick and three under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Manchester Evening News reports that United are still trying to persuade Shola Shoretire to stay, but face a difficult task.
The situation is reminiscent of Angel Gomes, another record-breaking attacking midfielder, who left United for free in 2020. Shoretire, currently recovering from a minor injury, has not played for the under-21s since December and was last seen in first-team training in late January.
Despite starting the season in great form, scoring nine goals and providing five assists, Shoretire’s future at United is uncertain. If he doesn’t return for the under-21 playoff game tonight, it may signal the end of his time at the club.
Manchester United’s Academy Success Threatened as Shola Shoretire’s Future Hangs in the Balance
