Amir Ibragimov is one of Manchester United’s elite academy talents, and this summer, he could embark on a new, exciting journey at international level.
Long considered an elite prospect, Amir Ibragimov has struggled in recent years from injury, similar to Shea Lacey.
Ibragimov only recently returned from a broken foot, which kept him out most of this season as he worked on durability to avoid more injuries.
Since returning, Ibragimov has been impressive for United’s U18 side, with the 18-year-old looking more muscular, which will be key in a possible first-team breakthrough.
Now, his first taste of senior football could actually come in international football.
WHERE does Amir Ibragimov rank in Man United’s most exciting prospects list?⭐️🤔
Russia offers Amir Ibragimov a senior international call-up
Over the summer, the likely new permanent manager, Michael Carrick, could use Ibragimov in pre-season, but before that, he will have the chance to play international football.
Despite being an England youth international, Ibragimov was born in Dagestan, Russia, and so is eligible to represent the eastern European side.
This came according to Russian outlet, Sports RU, which claimed Ibragimov has been offered the chance to join the Russian national team in June for friendlies against Egypt, Burkina Faso, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Despite the certainty that the Russian source has, Manchester Evening News’ Steven Railston has cast some doubt on this coming to fruition.
It is explained that the offer is true, but Ibragimov is still weighing up his options, and no final decision has been made over whether he will join up later this month.
Russia are currently banned by FIFA, making it a tough decision for a young player to commit to representing them when there is no telling of when he will get a chance to play competitive football.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has recently supported ending the ban, admitting that instances like this do more harm than good.
Which youngster are you MOST excited to watch during pre-season?
With the World Cup this summer, pre-season will have plenty of academy involvement🔮
Amir Ibragimov has represented England at youth level in the past
While he could decide to represent Russia and alter his career forever in doing so, there is still a chance he will wait for England.
Ibragimov represented England until U16 level, with injuries keeping him from squads since then.
Ibragimov might see Russia as a quicker and simpler route to playing senior international football, compared with hoping that one day he is called up by England.
Whatever Ibragimov chooses, it says a lot about his ability that Russia want him right now.
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