Noam Emeran scores first professional goal two years since leaving Manchester United, makes ‘wasn’t good enough’ statement

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Former Manchester United talent Noam Emeran is proving patience pays off.

When Manchester United signed young French winger Noam Emeran in 2019, there were hopes he would go onto become a superstar.

But projecting the success of young players is always hazardous, and Emeran’s progress at United was stunted by injuries that delayed and stuttered his contribution at academy level.

Emeran’s most notable contribution in a Manchester United shirt came in summer 2023, when he scored in a pre-season friendly against Leeds United, where he was voted man of the match.

This was a precursor to Emeran’s departure from United weeks later, going on to join Groningen.

Noam Emeran makes slow progress

Noam Emeran joined Dutch second tier side Groningen at the start of the 2023/24 season, and has had to fight for a spot in the first team.

He played 12 times last season, providing one assist, struggling to hold down a first team spot, also playing for the under-21s.

This season Emeran has been regularly included in the first team squad – but mostly as an unused substitute, before a late season breakthrough.

With Groningen promoted, Emeran is celebrating scoring his first ever professional goal, after making his first league appearance since September.

Introduced as a half-time substitute against RKC Waalwijk in an unusual right-back role, Emeran rattled the back of the net with a strike in a 3-1 victory.

With 17 appearances for Groningen to his name in total, Emeran will hope this strike can transform his fortunes.

Ninth in the Eredivisie, Emeran has a contract with Groningen until 2027.

• READ MORE: Manchester United transfer history 2013 to present day

Noam Emeran comments on breakthrough

Noam Emeran was thrilled to score his first professional goal and has admitted he has had to adjust.

Quoted via RTV Noord: “Now I have to keep going and show what I can do. Maybe I wasn’t good enough at first and others did better than me.

“But now we are here. I’ll take what I can get.”

Speaking about playing at full-back, he added: “I’m used to the attacking, I can learn the defensive.”

“I haven’t played much here, but I’m happy that I showed what I can do. And that I made everyone happy. I’m happy. Everyone is happy.”