Official: After making PL2 debut at 16, Nigerian forward signs new deal with Man Utd

Premier League giants Manchester United have announced their new intake of scholars for the 2025-2026 season, with a very talented Nigerian forward part of the group.

As per Premier League rules, all players in their U17 year are required to start the upcoming season on a scholarship agreement, before they are permitted to sign a first professional football contract on or after their 17th birthday.

Noah Ajayi was among the twelve youngsters who celebrated the signing of Manchester United scholarships in a special ceremony at Old Trafford on Monday evening.

Ajayi's inclusion among Manchester United's new intake of academy scholars came as no surprise, having already made competitive appearances for both the U18 and U21 sides during his final season as a schoolboy.

At just 16, the young attacker made his Premier League 2 debut on April 11, coming off the bench for the final six minutes in a 4-1 victory over Reading.

Remarkably, he featured again the very next day, making his U18 Premier League debut in a 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest.

Ajayi and the new scholars will join up with the rest of the Professional Development Phase squad for a training camp in Germany at adidas HQ in Herzogenaurach.

The Nigerian has been fully promoted to Manchester United U18s ahead of the 2025-2026 season and will be included in the club's Premier League squad as an U21 player. 

Habeeb Ogunneye, Victor Musa and Chido Obi played for United's academy teams last season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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