Two Nigeria-eligible midfielders train with Manchester United first team ahead of West Ham clash 

Two teenagers of Nigerian descent were promoted to first team training by manager Erik ten Hag ahead of Manchester United's next game in the English Premier League against West Ham United. 

Attacking midfielder Shola Shoretire and defensive midfielder Maxi Oyedele rubbed shoulders with Manchester United's first team stars such as Christian Eriksen, Marcus Rashford, Sergio Reguilón and Donny van de Beek.

South Africa legend Benni McCarthy attended the training session at Carrington Training Ground on December 18.

Shoretire and Oyedele were on U21 duties at the weekend, starring as Manchester United beat Newcastle United in a five-goal thriller with the latter returning to the starting lineup after a spell on the sidelines due to injury. 

Striker Victor Musa also played in the win against the Magpies but was not among the academy players spotted training with the first team on Monday. 

No player of Nigerian descent has been given first-team minutes since Ten Hag took over the managerial position at Manchester United last season. 

Shoretire has been named in the first-team matchday squad on three occasions - twice against Aston Villa in the Premier League and Carabao Cup, and against Real Sociedad in the Europa League  - but was not utilized off the bench by the Dutch football tactician. 

A busy festive schedule will see Manchester United play three games in the space of seven days, with West Ham their first opponents on December 23 followed by games against Aston Villa (Dec 26) and Nottingham Forest (Dec 30).

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: manutd.com

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com