Look out for Bassirou Nkoto in 2026/27.
JJ Gabriel’s remarkable feats for Manchester United’s academy at the age of 15 have raised the bar in terms of what is possible for a young player.
Not everyone will ascend at the same rapid rate of development.
Noah Ajayi has also enjoyed a breakthrough year, and he only kicked on in the second half of this season after turning 17.
Bassirou Nkoto could end up somewhere in-between.
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Bassirou Nkoto’s promise
Bassirou Nkoto is also 15 like JJ Gabriel and he has also made an impressive breakthrough, making his debut for United’s under-18s this season.
Nkoto has played in five games totalling 108 minutes, and also has one assist – in the 3-1 win over Stoke at the weekend.
This in itself is really impressive and sets the attacking midfielder up for a larger role in 2026/27.
He has pledged to really make a noise next season and continue his upwards trajectory.
Nkoto wrote on Instagram: “This season tested me. Next season will introduce me.”
His message drew a response from teammate Amir Ibragimov, who responded: “More to come brother.”
Chido Obi, Jaydan Kamason and Ethan Wheatley all responded with encouraging messages too.
CONGRATULATIONS to Bruno Fernandes – The 2025/26 Football Writers Award Player of the Year… let us know your REACTION!
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Nkoto’s season was delayed by injury
Nkoto referenced being ‘tested’ in 2025/26, and this was certainly the case. He spent several months on the sidelines with an injury before making his under-18s debut in February.
He recently spent time training with Cameroon’s under-23 team along with his twin brother Douka Nkoto.
Douka has played 20 league games for United’s under-18s this season, scoring two goals.
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