Gabriele Biancheri in limbo at Man Utd despite red-hot form, Ineos could be forced into January decision

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This season there has been no academy player in better form than Gabriele Biancheri, but this could actually create a problem for Manchester United.

The 18-year-old Welshman is the top scorer at the entire club this season for Manchester United at any age group with 12 goals already in just eight games in 2024/25.

Gabriele Biancheri is the name we have seen on the scoresheet in every single U18 game he has played this season

Biancheri has carried his hot scoring streak into international football, with two goals and an assist across two games for Wales’ U19s against Italy.

Despite his immaculate form at U18 level, opportunities have been limited at U21 and in senior team training due to the congestion in the striker department with an embarrassment of riches available at the club.

But this may soon leave Ineos with a decision to make and January could be when a decision is needed.

• READ MORE: Manchester United’s Best Academy Players of All Time

Gabriele Biancheri cannot be overlooked by Manchester United

Despite all his goals, Biancheri has largely been overlooked by Erik ten Hag.

Biancheri has only been in first-team training a handful of times, which seems bizarre considering how dominant he is now looking in front of goal at youth level and also when Ethan Wheatley is taken into consideration.

Wheatley is 18 and last season he and Biancheri were sharing the goalscoring burden up front – but while Wheatley has made his debut and is in first-team training weekly while also regular for the U21s, Biancheri is stuck at U18 level.

Making the jump to first-team football has looked tough for Wheatley, with his game not exactly applicable to playing against senior defenders – but Biancheri’s is.

At the U21 level, Wheatley looks a level beyond – but so has Biancheri on his limited chances.

This all makes us wonder why Wheatley has been boxed in as the U21 starter while Biancheri is begging to be given a more challenging time – almost leaving the red-hot forward in limbo at Carrington.

However, this could all be shaken up soon with Chido Obi-Martin forcing a decision out of Ineos.

• READ MORE: Who is Man Utd’s Ethan Wheatley? Age, Position, Stats and More

Chido Obi-Martin could inadvertently force Ineos into big decision

Obi-Martin has arrived at United as one of the most exciting players the club has to offer, but being just 16 years old, his immediate future will probably be under Adam Lawrence and the U18s.

This should be the addition which forces Biancheri up a level – as he is already 18 so should be promoted soon. But right now, there is nowhere for Biancheri to go, with Wheatley clearly valued above him – despite the pair being so close in ability and potential.

Due to this, one of Biancheri or Wheatley should really be on the loan list this January – with both proving they can do it in senior football and this would be far more beneficial than both struggling for minutes with the U21s.

Wheatley would likely attract top-end League One interest for a loan, while Biancheri could also but with less exposure, he may have to settle for League Two – having dominated National League Chester in pre-season, he’s proven he belongs playing against senior players.