Manchester United’s recruitment policy under Ineos has already seen a handful of talented youngsters join the club.
With finances appearing increasingly tenuous, Manchester United are expected to rely on the academy heavily over the coming years.
Due to this Ineos have spent big on United’s academy, with several additions over the past year.
Chido Obi is the prime example, poached from Arsenal last summer. Already Obi is impressing Wayne Rooney, with his performance in the FA Cup against Fulham sign of things to come.
Diego Leon and Sekou Kone can also be included in this, with both extremely talented and promising to have a big future at Old Trafford.
Now, United have taken another talent on trial.
Manchester United take Glen Ilunga on trial
With such a talented academy group, the best way to ensure a continued line of players emerges, is to continue to recruit.
United are doing exactly that, with Jed Bangura signed last week, now Ineos has now taken 15-year-old Republic of Ireland defender Glen Ilunga on trial.
It comes according to Mail Online, Ilunga has been spending the week on trial, with figures within youth football citing the teenager as an exciting player.
Ilunga is thought to be ‘dominant’ in the air which is essential for a central defender. However, he also has qualities on the ball with a strong passing game.
His profile as a player indicates that he is the perfect modern-day central defender, with his physicality and size impressive for his age.
United scouts spotted Ilunga during some recent performances at the Manchester-based AR Elite Academy.
Ilunga moved to England last September from Ireland. United are not thought to be alone in having an interest in the defender.
READ: Man Utd under-18s top scorers and assists in 2024/25, all results
Manchester United have strong centre-back options for the next decade
It was only a matter of years ago that United had virtually no young options in central defence, with Lisandro Martinez being the only player younger than his prime.
This was the case in the academy as well, with those in the know not convinced about the crop of young defenders breaking through – but this has now all changed.
Leny Yoro is a future world-beater for United at just 19, while 17-year-old Godwill Kukonki has already caught Ruben Amorim’s eye.
Manchester United’s young central defenders
- Ayden Heaven – 18
- Daniel Armer – 17
- Glen Ilunga – 15* (not yet signed)
- Godwill Kukonki – 17
- Jayden Ngwashi – 16
- Leny Yoro – 19
- Reece Munro – 18
All six of these talents have been showing elite potential in the position with some obviously further along than others.
With the addition of another starter for now, likely to replace Martinez, United will boast a centre-back group capable of seeing them through the next decade… never mind if Ilunga is added.
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