Two goals in EFL Trophy, 5’5 wonderkid could still have a part to play in Erik ten Hag’s season

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Manchester United’s forwards this season have been nothing short of woeful.

A shocking statistic came to fruition recently, which stated that Manchester United‘s attackers combined have accumulated one goal and one assist in 2,104 minutes of football this season.

This will be even more after the bitter Manchester derby loss, where they failed to net at Old Trafford.

The goals need to come from somewhere, so could United call upon a 19-year-old who hasn’t featured since May 2022?

Shola Shoretire vs Salford

Given United’s woeful frontline, anyone’s worth a shout in terms of goal threat – right?

Well, Shola Shoretire featured for Manchester United’s Academy side in a 4-3 thriller last night against Salford City – which unfortunately ended in defeat for the Red Devils.

Shoretire was very impressive. He got two goals on the night.

He got the opener after returning United star Kobbie Mainoo laid off the ball to him from a corner, which he expertly curled home.

Shoretire’s second was even better, a nice sweeping finish with his weaker foot from around 12 yards out which sent the travelling United fans ballistic behind the Salford goal.

Could Shoretire feature for Erik ten Hag this season?

The last time Shoretire featured for United was on the final day of the 2021/22 campaign when he came on as a second-half substitute as Manchester United lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace.

The 19-year-old has since been on loan to Bolton, which gained him some value first team experience.

So, this begs the question – could he play a part under Erik ten Hag this season? Our honest verdict at the moment – we don’t see why not.

United’s front line has been shocking. Shoretire would at least bring something different, and can evidently score goals at a half-decent level as shown in the EFL Cup tie.

The only thing we’d question is his physicality, standing at just 5’5… saying that, it isn’t exactly like we’ve been dominating games based on sheer power this season, so a different type of player could be what we need.

It remains to be seen as to whether Shoretire will feature this season, but he could be worth a go the way things are currently going.