Chido Obi-Martin will be the latest addition to Manchester United’s blossoming youth academy, but how does he compare to current prospects?
The Manchester United academy has been at its best point for quite some time with numerous incredible prospects currently in the ranks.
This quality was on full show last season as the U18 side lifted three trophies, establishing the academy as the best in the country right now.
Not to be content with this, United have continued to recruit talented wonderkids this summer with Samuel Lusale set to arrive from Crystal Palace.
But without a doubt, the top talent recruited is Chido Obi-Martin. Here is how we think he ranks among the current talents at the club who are yet to make themselves a part of the first team, thus Harry Amass’ exclusion as he continues to impress.
5. Jack Fletcher
At number five, Darren Fletcher’s son and twin brother of Tyler Fletcher – Jack Fletcher gets the nod. His inclusion on the list is different to Amass’ exclusion as despite making an appearance earlier in pre-season, he will be back in the academy next week.
At 17, Fletcher is already showing signs of a future midfield maestro for the Red Devils and has been tipped as a top prospect, with Erik ten Hag aware of him and is “really impressed” by Fletcher thus far.
Fletcher will be back in the academy to start this season – but in the event of an easy cup draw don’t be shocked to see him make a debut.
4. Amir Ibragimov
Ranking at number four for us is Amir Ibragimov, although he has the potential to skyrocket right up the list if he can stay injury free for this campaign.
Likened with club legend and top scorer Wayne Rooney, Ibragimov could very well have the highest ceiling of all these names. At only 16, Ibragimov is highly touted and a player fans are desperate to see more of.
But for now, he has not done it at a high enough level to prove he deserves to be above the top three. Perhaps after a year in the U18s it will be a different story.
Still one to watch next season as he steps up into the U18s.
3. Bendito Mantato
At number three, Bendito Mantato is without a doubt among the most exciting players at the club. Mantato is a right-winger with similarities in his game to Bukayo Saka.
He’s already tall along with being quicker and stronger than defenders at youth level – even after he made the step up to U18 with six goals and two assists in 11 games despite only turning 16 in January.
Mantato is set to feature prominently for the U18s this season which will give us a better indication of how good he can be, he could even rise up this list.
2. Chido Obi-Martin
The latest addition to the ranks at Carrington and he’s instantly one of the most exciting players United are in possession of at an academy level.
Chido Obi is arguably the best goal-scoring talent in England right now, with a record which will rival the best at youth level.
The superb striker had much of Europe chasing his signature and United are said to have offered him the role of third striker this season – which demonstrates just how highly regarded he is.
Well deserving of his spot as number two on our list, his debut is eagerly anticipated.
1. Shea Lacey
Finally at number one, it’s the brilliant Shea Lacey who has the potential to be a world beating talent – although injuries woes have put a delay to this.
Lacey has trained with the first team previously, with reports before a season ending injury suggesting United were considering handing him his debut.
He will turn 18 during the 2023/24 season, and we imagine that over the course of the season if he stays fit, he will get his debut.
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