Chido Obi stole the show for Manchester United U18 during a 5-2 win on Friday night, but Amir Ibragimov also impressed.
The FA Youth Cup fourth round was held on Friday night for Manchester United with a huge 5-2 win over Preston enough to move Adam Lawrence’s side into the fifth round.
As United won 5-2 at the Leigh Sports Village, it was Chido Obi who was the game’s standout performer. However, this did not stop others from impressing.
Harry Amass was excellent amid loan rumours, while Jack Fletcher was impressive in midfield along with his twin brother Tyler Fletcher.
Despite only making a cameo, the talented Amir Ibragimov made his mark, getting his 2025 off to an excellent start.
READ: Man Utd under-18s top scorers and assists in 2024/25, all results
Amir Ibragimov scores for Manchester United
This season has seen Ibragimov live up to the hype which has been placed on him from a young age.
Against Preston in the FA Youth Cup, the Dagestan-born sensation kicked off his 2025 in style.
Ibragimov stepped up to the spot to put the game beyond doubt for United as he hit a panenka past the goalkeeper in an impressive display of his ability.
To be so confident to come off the bench and panenka the ball past the goalkeeper when the game was nervy due to Preston’s two goals – shows Ibragimov’s mentality and confidence which bodes well going forward.
Ibragimov has arguably been the U18s standout this season, with several breathtaking performances despite being just 16 and not yet a sure starter.
Ibragimov boasts a season tally of; six goals and six assists at U18 level and also two goals at U21 level.
READ: Man Utd under-21s top scorers and assists in 2024/25, all results
2025 could be Ibragimov’s year amid lofty ambitions
As far as academy talents go, Ibragimov is the one tipped for a huge year.
This comes after lofty pre-season ambitions which saw Ibragimov aiming for his first-team debut this season – something which does not look inconceivable.
As United improve and become comfortable with the style of Ruben Amorim, academy players are increasingly likely to be trusted – with Toby Collyer’s recent impressive performances showing the head coach he can rely on Carrington.
Ibragimov could benefit from the possible exits of Marcus Rashford and Antony – with positions in the No.10 roles of Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system opening up for Ibragimov.
The youngster is a player we fully expect to debut this season or next – but at the rate he is developing and performing right now, it will be sooner than later.
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