Manchester United are showing an interest in signing yet another superb youngster this summer, adding to the already brilliant academy ranks.
Since taking charge of the club’s footballing aspect in 2024, Ineos has shown a clear dedication to the Manchester United academy.
With the appointment of Jason Wilcox, improvements in academy recruitment and promotions to the first team were always bound to end up key at the club, building on a rich tradition of utilising youth.
United’s history of bringing players through the academy to the senior side helps with recruitment as it showcases the pathway to youngsters, something which Ruben Amorim is also looking to facilitate.
While head coach of Sporting CP, Amorim handed out 27 debuts to academy talents. He has already given two to United youngsters in Chido Obi and Harry Amass, with plenty more on the cusp.
Now, United are eyeing up a very special talent with comparisons to some of the greats.
Manchester United eye move to sign Abdellah Ouazane
United’s recruitment has primarily focussed on signing players with superb potential, and the latest name to emerge fits the bill for this requirement.
The Daily Mail have now reported that United are showing an interest in signing Ajax starlet Abdellah Ouazane.
United scouts were present to watch Morocco U17s during the U17 Africa Cup of Nations last week, a competition in which Ouazane has starred for his nation as they prepare for a semi-final clash this Tuesday.
Ouazane has been arguably the competition’s best player, so United scouts will have been impressed with the talented midfielder.
United are continuing to monitor the 16-year-old, but are seriously considering an approach to Ajax with interest around Europe beginning to build. Ouazane would be unable to join the club officially until January 2027 when he turns 18, but a pre-agreement can be worked out.
This would be an exciting deal for United to complete, with those who have watched him painting a very interesting picture.
Ouazane has been compared to Zinedine Zidane
Ouazane is a player few United fans will have been aware of before this rumour was reported.
However, as a player, Ouazane can be likened to Jude Bellingham with his athleticism, quality on the ball, dribbling and goal scoring and creating being invaluable assets.
Another comparison from Jacek Kulig is that Ouazane is similar to Zinedine Zidane. Both these names are players who are phenomenal, and to be likened with them says a lot about his quality.
Moroccan coach Nabil Baha shared his verdict on Ouazane, as included in the Mail’s report.
“He’s a player we count on a lot. He can make the difference. He was born in 2009 — people forget that. He’s a year younger than the others. But he plays at Ajax, and he’s full of talent.
“These days, 100 per cent isn’t enough. Everyone gives 100 per cent. What we need is 120 per cent. And he’s capable of that.”
To hear that Ouazane not only has the ability but also the work rate is another boost, with Amorim sure to love the player the teenager could one day evolve into.
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