Ian Evatt delivers verdict on Bolton Wanderers’ recent arrival from Man United | OneFootball

Bolton Wanderers completed the loan signing of Manchester United youngster Shola Shoretire last week.

The 18-year-old, despite only being at the club for a matter of days, made his Bolton debut at the weekend in the 2-1 defeat to Derby County.

The attacker was brought on just after the hour mark, and despite the performance of the team and his limited minutes, Shoretire was able to show flashes of what he can bring.

Shoretire has been brought into the team to fill the void left by Dapo Afolayan and to play in the number 10 role, providing a link from the front two to the midfield. The 18-year-old came on for Kieran Lee with 27 minutes to go, but a second goal from Derby killed any hope the Trotters had.

Now as Bolton prepare to play Forest Green Rovers at the University of Bolton Stadium tonight, Shoretire could get the first league start of his career as Ian Evatt looks to rotate his side.

To get the best out of the Man United star, the Bolton boss believes the team has got to “trust” the 18-year-old.

Evatt told The Bolton News: “We have never really had an out-and-out attacking number 10 who can receive the ball in such tight areas, be on the half turn, who we could trust enough to receive when he is opposed.

“Provided we pass with detail, safe side away from the markers, we can give him the ball and he can be reliable, he can create for us. That will come with time, but I saw glimpses of it on Saturday.

“We haven’t had anyone I’d deem as a 360-degree player. Kieran Lee can be but he is not an out-and-out number 10, he is an eight, really, but he can play 10 because of his intelligence.

“Shola brings a dynamic change of speed; he can get away from markers. He can dribble and beat players and when you come up against – as we did on Saturday – a man-for-man press, then you need people who can dribble and beat a man.”

Quiz: Can you name which club Bolton Wanderers signed these 22 players from?

1 of 22

James Trafford?

Manchester City Manchester United Leeds United Southampton

The Verdict

Shoretire has joined Bolton in the hope that for the next six months he will be playing regular first team football at the club.

Despite being only 18, the attacker will come with a level of maturity and knowledge from having been at Manchester United since such a young age.

Therefore, Evatt knows that the youngster can be trusted, and he needs his players to feel the same, as once he starts playing more, Shoretire could be a nice addition to this team and one who could have a big impact on their season.