Amir Ibragimov started his first game for Manchester United since late 2025 on Saturday, as he wore the number eight against Newcastle United.
It was an outing to forget for most of the U18s, with Manchester United losing to Newcastle 2-0.
But before the game slipped away from United, Amir Ibragimov was a bright spark, with some moments of quality on the ball, seeing him glide past defenders a handful of times.
Ibragimov was wearing the captain’s armband and will be disappointed to have been part of this defeat to Newcastle. However, he won’t be in the U18s long.
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Amir Ibragimov looks far more physically ready for first-team football
Ibragimov has always been considered one of the top talents within the ranks of Carrington, but much like Shea Lacey, his years in the U18 side have been injury-hit.
Earlier this season, Ibragimov began his journey to become a midfielder, being deployed as a number eight. However, he was out injured between December and April.
He made his first start against Newcastle, and MUTV’s Arthur Albiston noticed his improved physicality.
As the teams emerged at the Newcastle training ground, Albiston remarked on Ibragimov, “he looks like he’s muscled up a bit”.
This is a very accurate assessment, as Ibragimov no longer resembles the slender flair-filled winger he was, but he clearly has put on muscle to handle the physicality in midfield.
Ibragimov took extra time recovering, and it seems to have paid off, with athleticism likely to play a part in him stepping up a level.
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Ibragimov is Manchester United’s pre-season wildcard
This summer, pre-season preparations are going to be disrupted by the World Cup, and United may begin without a senior midfielder.
- Casemiro: Released
- Kobbie Mainoo: Likely at the World Cup with England
- Manuel Ugarte: Likely at the World Cup with Uruguay and potentially sold.
For this reason, United will have a host of academy midfielders in the squad.
Among them should be Ibragimov, who can offer United an option in the Mainoo midfield role, capable of carrying the ball beyond opponents and getting involved in the final third.
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