Manchester United could be about to lose Shola Shoretire on a free this summer | OneFootball

Manchester United’s famed academy has provided rare glimmers of hope in what has been a disappointing campaign for the senior team.

Both Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo have enjoyed breakthrough campaigns while four other starlets have gone on to make their first-team debut this season.

Dan Gore, Willy Kambwala, Omari Forson and most recently Ethan Wheatley all won their first senior cap as the academy reached the prized number of 250 academy graduates who have gone on to represent the senior team.

More could be on the way with Harry Amass, Habeeb Ogunneye and Jack Kingdon all making it to matchday squads this season while Shea Lacey missed out after suffering a cruel season-ending injury at the worst time.

Academy’s rising status

While the academy and the graduates are rightly being celebrated, plenty of fans might have forgotten about Shola Shoretire, who had broken through under former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The 20-year-old got his big break against Newcastle United back in February 2021 when he was only 17 years 19 days, making him the seventh-youngest club debutant.

The young Englishman then proceeded to break the long-standing record of Norman Whiteside when he made his European debut against Real Sociedad in the Europa League at the age of 17 years and 23 days, surpassing the previous record by 108 days.

He was expected to become a bonafide first team member under Erik ten Hag but that never materialised as injuries started floundering his progress.

Shoretire made it to the matchday squad in all competitions last term but this term, he was only on the bench for the game against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup.

For the U21s, he has nine goals and four assists in 12 games and has even captained them but has not managed to make the squad since January, probably due to a minor injury as well as the uncertainty surrounding his future at the club.

The England U19 international’s current deal expires in June and United’s contract offer remains on the table as relayed by The Peoples Person.

Shoretire’s exit

The club’s initial plan was to agree a new deal so as to protect his value and send Shoretire out on loan with plenty of EFL and foreign clubs interested including Turkish giants Galatasaray.

United had mulled over a sale as well but as The Manchester Evening News have now reported, the Newcastle-born star could be set to leave the club on a free.

“Manchester United remain hopeful youngster Shola Shoretire will sign a new contract with the club.

“Shoretire, 20, is out of contract at Old Trafford at the end of the season and it looks increasingly likely the curtains could be brought down on his time spent in Manchester.”

The versatile star has outgrown reserve football and needs regular minutes. With so many younger academy graduates already impressing the Dutch boss, a parting of ways might be the best way for Shoretire to get his career back on track.

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