Manchester United need to take a risk with Largie Ramazani

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It has been a season of two halves for promising Manchester United youngster Largie Ramazani.

The 19-year-old was prolific for the under-23s in 2019, scoring nine goals n 13 games.

Ramazani’s success was a pleasant surprise. His progress was faster than anticipated and led to legitimate questions as to whether he should get a first team chance, beyond the brief cameo away at Astana in November.

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer shot this down in January, suggesting it was too soon [Metro], and the young Belgian forward has not been able to make the same impact in 2020, in a campaign where there has been very little under-23 football.

Contract stand-off

There are currently doubts as to whether Ramazani has a long term future at Old Trafford.

The teenager is under contract until 2021, but there have been reports claiming Ramazani is so far unwilling to commit beyond that [source: Belgian outlet DH].

This leaves United with a decision to make over Ramazani – and that’s why the club should take a risk

Fast-track loan

One of the criticism of United’s youth system in recent years has been poor handling of the loan system, and a reluctance to send young players out.

Axel Tuanzebe is a player who benefitted last season, but this year youngsters Angel Gomes, Dylan Levitt, Matej Kovar and James Garner are among those who could have benefitted from loan spells.

United need to take a risk with Ramazani and send him out on loan next season, to the Championship, or abroad to a top flight in Holland or Germany.

If he feels he is ready to play competitive football and would be held back in the under-23s, then United need to say, ‘prove it’.

It will be sink or swim for Ramazani, and he might get a tough reality check.

On the other hand if he passes the test and becomes a regular goalscorer from the wing for his loan side, then he will build a case for more first team chances at United in the process.

As condition for a loan going through, United should insist on a minimum of a one year extension, to prevent losing him on a free next summer, with a small pay rise to reward for strong progress this season.

Opposed to just giving him another year in the under-23s, and ‘hoping’ he signs a new deal, with a possible loan the year after, United need to take a risk, and give Ramazani the wings to fly. If not, he may just walk out the door next summer

This season he has made a very impressive leap forward, and if provided with the right situation, he can do so again next season.

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