Manchester United’s academy excitement has been largely focused on JJ Gabriel this season, but Douka Nkoto is has also been making himself known.
Manchester United’s U18 side have undergone plenty of change this season, with a squad overhaul and Darren Fletcher taking charge after Adam Lawrence departed.
However, despite having a very youthful squad, things have been as exciting as ever, with some really impressive performers playing above their age groups.
JJ Gabriel is the highlight of United’s academy right now, scoring seven U18 Premier League goals in just six games. The result of his performances is that United staff are beginning to believe his ‘world-class’ potential, meaning Ineos’ efforts to keep him have ramped up.
Additionally, this season has seen Kai Rooney score for United’s U18 side, with hopes he can have a career at United even a fraction as good as his father Wayne Rooney.
But there is another talented youngster who deserves praise for his step
Douka Nkoto provides an impressive assist for Manchester United U18
Rumblings around Carrington suggest that Gabriel is seen as being the best talent to emerge from the academy for quite some time.
While exciting, it often means other excellent talents don’t get the hype they are deserving of, with Douka Nkoto one of these.
Having dominated at the younger age groups, including Nkoto looking impressive at the Super Cup NI during the summer, United have given the Cameroonian-born wonderkid opportunities at U18.
Nkoto has looked sharp in previous outings, but last weekend he got his first assist, and it was an excellent pass to set up Samuel Lusale.
This vision and creativity is not something many 15-year-old’s have and shows why Nkoto is valued so highly by the club.
Douka Nkoto’s minutes for Manchester United U18 will only continue to grow
Nkoto’s first contribution for United at an U18 level was a special one and it could be the confidence raiser that he needs in order to kick on and begin dominating like he has at younger age groups.
Like his brother Bassirou Nkoto, the 15-year-old developed physically a lot earlier than other players in the U14 side over the past year or two, meaning he often stood out for ridiculous goals.
However, at U18, the physical playing field has been levelled and he is proving his technical ability is also very special.
His potential is massive if he is able to continue to develop at the rate he has been so far in his young career.
We expect this will only be the beginning for him this season.
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