'One Of Our Most Consistent Outstanding Performers' - Man Utd Coach Lauds Versatile Shoretire

Manchester United coach Neil Wood has nothing but praise for Anglo-Nigerian youngster Shola Shoretire following his eye-catching performances for the U23s in the 2020-2021 season.

The 2004-born Shoretire, a first year scholar, is eligible to represent United's U18 team but has proved himself capable of making the grade for the U23s and showed his versatility playing in a number of offensive positions.

The England youth international has scored two goals while setting up two others in his last five appearances in the Premier League 2.

Regarded as one of the brightest youth prospects at Manchester United, Shoretire is expected to sign his first professional contract with the Old Trafford side in February.

In quotes carried by Manchester Evening News, Wood said : "What impresses me the most is he is a very technical player.

"Shola has always played up a year through his whole academy career. I can’t remember him ever playing his own age group. He has always been stretched.

"He is very mature for his age, the way he plays, he does a lot of work, takes a lot of positions up, and he has played a lot of roles.

"He’s played [Number] 9, he’s played left, he’s played on the right, he’s played 10 and whatever you ask him to do – on and off the ball – he is going to do it. You can trust him to do that job.

"He is very young, and doing excellent for the age of him. I am not expecting him to be man of the match or [a] main figure of the team, because he is so young, but he’s not going on that pitch and drowning or anything.

"He has probably been one of our most consistent outstanding performers throughout the season."

A former England U16 captain, Shoretire has appeared in 11 matches for United's U21 and U23 teams this season, ten of which were starts.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel