Manchester United eyeing highly-rated West Ham prodigy Daniel Rigge | OneFootball

Unlike Manchester United’s senior team, this season has been a roaring success for the all the age-group teams.

The United U18s clinched a league and cup double for the first time while the U21s qualified for the play-offs on Friday.

And the academy has been the rare shining light for Erik ten Hag’s team as well with Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho already proving they are not only the future but the present.

With mounting injuries to contend with, the Dutchman has opted to hand debuts to academy stars like Dan Gore, Omari Forson, Willy Kambwala and most recently Ethan Wheatley.

Youth showing the way at United

More first team chances are in the pipeline with the likes of Harry Amass, Habeeb Ogunneye and Shea Lacey all champing at the bit.

With new co-owners INEOS now on board, the Red Devils are expected to focus heavily on youth recruitment. And as per ESPN, West Ham United’s highly-rated attacking midfielder Daniel Rigge is in the crosshairs of the club.

However, agreeing a deal will not be straightforward for the former Manchester City youth product with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur both interested.

The 18-year-old has 11 goals and six assists for the Hammers’ U18 team, with West Ham second in the U18 Premier League South table.

The England U16 international has also made five appearances for the U21 side, registering a goal, while also making a couple of appearances in the FA Youth Cup.

Youth recruitment

“Tottenham and Arsenal are battling to sign West Ham teenager Daniel Rigge, sources have told ESPN.

“The 18-year-old signed his first professional contract in October — and his existing deal will still have two years left to run this summer — but the attacking midfielder has attracted interest from a number of Premier League clubs.

“Spurs are said to be leading the race for his signature but Arsenal and Manchester United are among the sides tracking Rigge, who has impressed as West Ham sit second in the Premier League under-18s table, two points behind leaders Chelsea.”

Rigge can play all across the frontline and on the wings and he could prove to be an astute purchase moving forward.

It is good to hear Sir Jim Ratcliffe mentioning the importance of buying young instead of the club’s recent plan of signing only mercenaries.

INEOS should definitely focus on youth recruitment moving forward, an aspect that was in ruins under the Glazers a few years ago. There have already been reports of United returning to the South American market to unearth the next big superstar.

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