Republic of Ireland teenager Michael Noonan has attracted attention from Manchester United scouts over the past year. Shamrock Rovers’ hot prospect now appears to be on the verge of signing for Ajax.
Ever since Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos took control of football operations at Manchester United, there has been a clear emphasis on bringing more talented youngsters to the club – whether it’s to add to the academy or for the first team.
Examples of that include Chido Obi and Sekou Kone, as well as Ayden Heaven and Patrick Dorgu.
One player who caught United’s attention at the U17 World Cup at the end of 2025 is Shamrock Rovers striker Michael Noonan, who was representing the Republic of Ireland at the tournament.
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Ajax closing in on Man Utd-linked teenager Michael Noonan
While United won’t sign every youngster they take an interest in, Noonan is at least on the club’s radar.
A transfer to Hoffenheim collapsed earlier this year, but it was only a matter of time before another European club would come looking for Noonan’s services.
The 17-year-old striker has been tipped for a big future in the game, which explains why Hoffenheim were trying to secure his signature before everyone else.
According to The 42, Noonan paid an enjoyable visit to Amsterdam, where he spent time at Ajax’s Sportscomplex De Toekomst.
It is understood that talks between Ajax and Noonan are at an advanced stage, with the final few details to be ironed out.
The report states Ajax is now Noonan’s preferred destination following his trip to Amsterdam. It has been suggested that he will initially play for Ajax’s second team, Jong Ajax, which competes in the division below the Eredivisie.
A transfer fee has yet to be finalised between Ajax and Shamrock Rovers.
This pretty much vindicates United’s scouting missions for keeping a close eye on Noonan. It remains to be seen if they will track his development over the coming years, granted it will be difficult not to if he becomes a success at Ajax or another big European club.
- ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
- Manchester United-linked striker Michael Noonan is in advanced talks with Ajax
- The Shamrock Rovers recently spent a weekend in Amsterdam and visited Ajax’s impressive training facilities
- Noonan almost joined Hoffenheim earlier this year
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Let us know who should be signing number two…
Who was the last Irish striker to play for Man Utd?
Although United have had many players from the Republic of Ireland, not many played as strikers.
The last Irishman to play up front for the Red Devils was Frank Stapleton between 1981 and 1987.
Stapleton scored 78 goals in 288 appearances for United.
He was signed from Arsenal by Ron Atkinson as a fearless number nine, finishing two consecutive seasons as United’s top scorer and lifting the FA Cup in 1983 and 1985.
Noonan will hope a move to Ajax can provide him with the platform required to make the next level. He could follow in Stapleton’s footsteps by signing for United one day.
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