Nehemiah Oriola makes Premier League debut after Man Utd exit and Sir Alex Ferguson photo

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Nehemiah Oriola left Manchester United’s academy to join a Premier League rival, and he is making the most of his new start.

In recent seasons Manchester United have been haunted by former star Danny Welbeck, who has scored six Premier League goals against the Red Devils.

But at least Manchester United did get some good service out of Welbeck before his sale in 2014, where he scored 29 goals and contributed towards league title success.

Now he is leading the line for Brighton, where he is a mentor to young prospect Nehemiah Oriola, who left Manchester United before he even made a first team appearance.

Who is Nehemiah Oriola?

Nehemiah Oriola is a former Manchester United academy player who was signed from West Ham’s academy.

Oriola was just 13 when he made the move in 2020, and posed with former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson at Carrington.

Oriola made his Manchester United under-18s debut in February 2023 at just 15-years-old as a substitute in a win over Derby.

The following summer he left the club, choosing to sign with Brighton.

The young winger has played a prominent role for their academy sides with 36 under-18 appearances and 17 for the under-21s.

This season he has two goals and four assists, and has now been rewarded for his form.

Nehemiah Oriola makes league debut for Brighton

Nehemiah Oriola made his Premier League debut at the weekend after coming off the bench in the final minutes in Brighton’s win over Leeds.

Oriola wrote on Instagram: “Dreams to reality 💫 Blessed to make my Premier League debut for @officialbhafc – All Glory To God.”

He received a response from former Manchester United academy colleague Ethan Wheatley, who wrote, ‘Congrats brother’.

The circumstances of Oriola’s exit from Manchester United are unclear. It is unknown whether he pushed to join Brighton, or he simply was not offered a scholarship deal.

One way or another, United’s loss is now Brighton’s gain. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reported to be a huge admirer of the way the Seagulls operate.

Oriola has already made a statement by going on to make his Premier League debut at 18, and it does not reflect well on United that he was in the system, leaving for nothing.