Ajayi moves closer to Manchester United deal
For most of last season, the noise around Manchester United’s youth ranks centred on one name: JJ Gabriel. Quietly, on the other flank, Noah Ajayi kept scoring.
The 18-year-old forward hit nine goals across all competitions for the U18s, including two in the FA Youth Cup and the winner against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in the Premier League League Cup final. That strike, coolly taken on a big stage, fuelled the comparisons with a young Marcus Rashford, sparked by the way Ajayi glides down the left and attacks defenders.
Then came the twist. When United announced nine youngsters had signed professional contracts earlier this summer, Ajayi’s name was missing. At the same time, reports linked him with Bayern Munich. Supporters started to worry.
Those fears now look to be easing. Born in Hamburg to a Nigerian father and German mother, Ajayi is understood to be close to signing professional terms at Old Trafford. There is still work to do before the contract is finalised, but talks are moving in the right direction and United expect to keep one of their most exciting wide players in-house.
Kamason caught in loan limbo
If Ajayi’s situation is clearing, Jaydan Kamason’s remains cloudy.
The midfielder impressed for the first team in the friendly against Rosenborg last month, coming off the bench and supplying two second-half assists. It felt like a launchpad. A Championship loan now looks the logical next step for his development, a full season of senior football to build on that cameo.
The calendar is the problem. The EFL campaign is already underway and Kamason still does not have a move lined up for 2026/27. He is far from alone. A sizeable group of United academy players are waiting on decisions, needing temporary exits before the transfer window shuts.
United’s loan strategy has come under scrutiny, and not without reason. Ideally, these moves would be locked in early in the summer, giving youngsters time to settle, learn a new dressing room and adapt to a different manager’s demands. Instead, with the Premier League yet to kick off but the EFL already rolling, the plan looks muddled and rushed.
Gabriel keeps scoring as decision looms
On the pitch, JJ Gabriel continues to justify the hype.
United’s U21s faced Sheffield Wednesday in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Carrington this week, and the 15-year-old was on the scoresheet again. He started the move himself, playing a sharp one-two down the left, then shook off his marker with a piece of skill that opened a yard of space in the box. From that range, with his technique, the finish was routine.
He looks ready for the step up. Gabriel is expected to feature regularly for the U21s this season and is also tipped to make his senior debut. As his influence grows, so will the noise around his future.
Next summer brings a key moment: a potential route to Barcelona. United have pushed hard to show Gabriel a clear pathway, fast-tracking him through the age groups and involving him around the first team. They hope that will count when the teenager sits down to decide his next move.
He has already come close to leaving once. Last year, Gabriel seriously considered an exit before the emotional pull of a club he loves representing persuaded him to stay. The next call will be even bigger.
Mixed fortunes at the Otten Cup
While contract talks and loan plans rumble on, United’s youngsters have been getting valuable minutes on the continent.
Over the weekend, a U19 side took part in the Otten Innovation Cup, the annual tournament hosted by PSV Eindhoven at their training ground. It is a competition with a strong track record: Harry Kane, Romelu Lukaku, Marc Cucurella and Anthony Gordon are among the players to have passed through it.
Darren Fletcher led a talented United squad featuring Yuel Helafu, Rafe McCormack, Jayden Ngwashi, Jacey Carrick and Kai Rooney. Results were mixed. United lost their opener 1-0 to PSV – with Ruud van Nistelrooy’s son on the bench for the Dutch side – then drew 1-1 with SE Palmeiras. A 2-2 draw against Adelaide United followed, leaving the Reds fifth overall.
Fletcher had hoped for a deeper run, but the trip served as a sharp final tune-up before the new campaign, a chance to test this group against contrasting styles and physicality.
Arsenal circle Ogunneye and Scanlon
The talent drain threat is not limited to Gabriel.
On Wednesday, it emerged that Arsenal are interested in Habeeb Ogunneye and James Scanlon, a development that surprised some close followers of United’s academy at first glance. Look a little closer, and the logic is clearer.
Arsenal need numbers in their U21 squad. Ogunneye, 20, and Scanlon, 19, would strengthen it immediately. The London club have also just appointed David Horseman as their U21 head coach, a man who spent three months working with United’s U21s and knows both players well.
Horseman clearly believes they could become important pieces in north London. Whether that is the best move for their careers is another question entirely.
Ogunneye spent last season on loan at Newport County, while Scanlon had a spell with Swindon Town. Another move lower down the pyramid, with regular senior minutes, might offer the quickest route to established professional status. Arsenal, though, can offer a different pitch: a Premier League environment, top facilities, and a clearer path into their U21 side.
United now face a familiar challenge. Can they convince two more promising prospects that staying put, and fighting for their chance in Manchester, is the smarter long-term bet?
