This season has already seen four Manchester United academy talents awarded a first-team debut, and Amir Ibragimov could soon be in contention for his own.
Once considered the crown jewel of Carrington, Amir Ibragimov has become almost forgotten this season after spending a period out injured combined with the rise of JJ Gabriel taking the spotlight.
However, Ibragimov was still among Manchester United’s best academy performers in 2025, becoming an entirely different player which sets him up for long term success in professional football.
United have turned Ibragimov into a central midfielder, where he is all-action. This being a drastic evolution from when he was a tricky wide player.
This could see the Dagestan-born teenager become the second coming of Bryan Robson.
WHO is the most UNDERRATED academy talent at Manchester United right now? 🤔🔥
JJ Gabriel and Shea Lacey are obviously exciting but who else are you excited by?
Amir Ibragimov has become an all-action midfielder similar to Bryan Robson
Ibragimov was hyped as the next Wayne Rooney, however, United have clearly envisioned him as a different type of player which resulted in a move back into midfield.
Due to his relentless work rate, aggressiveness in midfield battles, ball carrying and goal threat, he has morphed into a Robson-esque ‘Captain Marvel’ player as the club great was often billed, box-to-box and all action.
Ibragimov has been described as a warrior, and he started the 2025/26 season proving why, shining for the U18s and U21s on a number of occasions.
U18 head coach Darren Fletcher hailed Ibragimov’s leadership skills and admitted that he was an example setter for his teammates.
Potentially this indicates Ibragimov has the abilities to be a future United captain.
All of this is reminiscent of how Robson was described and remembered by supporters, which is exciting if Ibragimov can reach anywhere near that level.
WHERE does Amir Ibragimov rank in Man United’s most exciting prospects list?⭐️🤔
Michael Carrick needs to be paying attention to Ibragimov return for Manchester United
Like Shea Lacey, Ibragimov’s youth career has been slowed down by injuries, likely the only reason why there isn’t clamour for him to be playing right now.
Ibragimov has been out for months with a broken foot this season, however, that time on the sideline is coming to an end.
Ibragimov took to his Instagram earlier this week with the message, “not long now”, along with images of him from earlier this season, which is the clearest message yet that he’s nearing a comeback.
Upon return, he should be a player Michael Carrick is keeping a close eye on, with the 17-year-old already shining for the U21s numerous times proving he is one of the best at the club.
Now, the next step is to stay fit and force his way into an opportunity with the senior team.
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