Manchester United seem to have learned from their historic mistakes under the Glazers this summer, evidenced by their decisiveness in the transfer market.
Players of priority have been quickly signed, deadwood has been sold on favourable terms, and some ruthless decision-making, like Willy Kambwala’s sale to Villarreal, should be celebrated.
This ruthlessness started at the start of July when United didn’t renew the contracts of many to “protect their value”. The likes of Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial headlined the departures.
Another departure who flew under the radar was a record-breaking wonderkid who had the world at his feet once upon a time.
He has now landed in Greece to sign for a new club a month after leaving Old Trafford, showing youth development is never linear or predictable.
Touch down in Greece
There are not many clubs that would be bonafide upgrades over United but some players’ choices after leaving United have still left the fans scratching their heads.
Jesse Lingard is playing in Korea after a failed stint at Nottingham Forest, David de Gea remains without a club, and Raphael Varane joined recently promoted Como in Serie A.
Adding his name to that list of unexpected transfers is Shola Shoretire, the youngster who once broke the record by becoming United’s youngest-ever player in Europe, has touched down in Greece to sign for PAOK.
Fabrizio Romano reported a video of the player landing in the country to a positive reception from the fans, showing the enduring appeal of the United brand.
Shoretire, still aged just 20, didn’t have his contract renewed by United and the player also preferred to look elsewhere for regular senior football. It’s quite a journey from breaking records at United as a precocious teenager.
A cautionary tale
Shoretire was a name that was taken in the same breath as the likes of Mason Greenwood when they were coming through the academy.
Unfortunately, a multitude of factors worked against him since his fateful United debut as a 16-year-old prodigy.
Firstly, his physical frame never gave any manager enough trust to put him in the senior team consistently, regardless of the competition. Shoretire is just about 5’8″ with a slight frame.
Secondly, the club brought Bruno Fernandes under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who started like a house on fire and hasn’t stopped since. His arrival effectively stonewalled the No. 10 position in the senior team, which is where Shoretire played his best football.
Add to that failed loans in lower leagues where Shoretire’s lack of readiness got exposed, and a parting of the ways was the best move for both parties.
He will now look to rebuild his career in Greece and get back to the heights everyone expected he would when he came through the ranks.
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