Manchester United’s under-21 side was back in action on Tuesday night and it saw a thumping 4-0 victory over National League side Altrincham.
Despite it being an international break, there has still been football for Manchester United fans to enjoy.
It came in the form of U21 football, with Travis Binnion’s side once again in midweek action. It was the National League Cup and it took the young Red Devils to Altrincham for game two.
United won 4-0 on the night, with Ethan Ennis the hero of the night, bagging three goals with all three being excellent.
It was a drastically different result to the one against Huddersfield this time last week in which United lost 4-1 in the EFL Trophy.
With key players still missing through international duty, some youngsters from the U18 level and below were given the chance, including Amir Ibragimov.
How Amir Ibragimov fared vs Altrincham
While Ennis stole all the headlines against Altrincham, Ibragimov also caught the eye as he scored his first U21 goal for the club.
Starting in attacking midfield, Ibragimov was a constant threat through the middle and looked completely comfortable against senior opposition.
The goal was as easy as it could come for the exciting 16-year-old as he merely tapped it into an open goal. But the strike continues his impressive season to date – after a hat-trick against Leeds earlier this month.
His sixth goal and ninth goal contribution in U18 football or above this season – he also scored a bundle at U17 level earlier this campaign.
READ: Man Utd under-18s top scorers and assists in 2024/25, all results
Ibragimov displayed his excellent dribbling which he is renowned for with the U18s and even led to praise from MUTV commentator Ben Thornley as he admitted the Dagestan-born No.10 was “quite a joy to watch”.
Ibragimov looked at home against elevated opposition and we wouldn’t be shocked if new United head coach Ruben Amorim had been watching and quietly impressed.
Ruben Amorim has a future Manchester United starter on his hands
While Ibragimov is still not dominant at this level, in the way Gabriele Biancheri or Ennis are right now – he is just 16 and is punching well above his weight right now. This will all be the plan though, as Ibragimov is aiming to make his senior debut.
United fans have tipped Ibragimov to breakthrough under Amorim at Old Trafford in the coming years and it is clear to see why as he is seen as one of the best players in his age group.
While fans have been aware of Ibragimov for years, last season was disappointing as he struggled with injury. However, this season Ibragimov has proven why he is highly rated.
Amorim had given 27 debuts at Sporting and is the man who can turn Ibragimov into a star with his trusting of youth, and week by week, the signs continue to look positive.
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