Manchester United winger Noah Ajayi had a sensational showing in last weekend’s 3-1 derby victory over Manchester City, with his performance triggering comparisons with Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers.
As Manchester United U18s beat City 3-1 in a resoundingly dominant performance, Noah Ajayi was one of the top performers down the left wing.
Ajayi linked up perfectly with the dominant defender Godwill Kukonki down that side, and was unlucky himself not to have an assist after Chido Obi hit the post following a 50-yard carry from the winger.
The 17-year-old German combines wonderful close control with lightning speed and powerful direct dribbles, making him a handful for any defence. This performance in particular put him on the radar as one to watch.
Prove me wrong: Michael Carrick has already shown enough to become permanent Man United manager.
13 points from 15 would be title winning form over a full season…
Noah Ajayi has striking similarities with Morgan Rogers
Against City, Ajayi had several moments where he took the ball and carried it through multiple defenders’ tackles, almost unstoppable when he set off on a run.
For many, this led to a similarity with Morgan Rogers, who has been linked with an Old Trafford transfer, but also became the player he is under Michael Carrick at Middlesbrough.
Like Ajayi, Rogers is a strong ball carrier with a larger physical frame than most wingers, also having the end product at the end to score or assist. This is something Ajayi has, but not in an abundance right now, with glimpses of his impact.
Darren Fletcher has used Ajayi as a striker at times this season; however, his best position is clearly facing goal, where he can run at opponents and cause problems.
With such raw qualities, Ajayi has the foundations of being a top-level Premier League player, needing to work on decision-making and his shooting.
At around 6ft 2in tall, Ajayi will also likely improve even more on the ball when he grows into his height, and we hope he retains the dribbling.
Rogers’ scoring and assisting for Villa are what set him apart as elite, so if Carrick can also take Ajayi’s game to the next level, then it could save the Red Devils as much as £100m.
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?
Michael Carrick should be looking at Noah Ajayi for Manchester United’s first team
He is still very raw, but Ajayi is a left-winger and physically is probably the most suitable option in that position to step up and make an impact.
Ajayi trained with United’s first team in November, so he is already considered among the most exciting in the club, with another call-up under Carrick sure to come if he keeps impressing.
To be considered so highly already is impressive as Ajayi is a first-year scholar for United, yet already looks the part and could easily be playing U21 football soon.
For this reason, Carrick needs to be monitoring, as he could find that signing a left-winger in the summer is uncalled for.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
