Shola Shoretire: Meet the Manchester United youngster who is eligible to play for Nigeria

The Nigeria-eligible finally got his first minutes of the season under new Manchester United gaffer Ralf Rangnick

Teenage Manchester United sensation Shola Shoretire got his first minutes of professional football this season under Ralf Rangnick.

The Nigeria-eligible youngster made a substitute appearance in Manchester United Champions League draw against Young Boys.

But who is Shola Shoretire?

Shola was born in Newcastle, England, on the 2nd of February 2004. He started his journey in football quite early with the Newcastle academy before joining Machester City academy in January 2004, just before his 10th birthday.

However, he only spent just seven months at Manchester United’s “noisy neighbours” before joining the Red Devils in July 2014.

Since his move to Old Trafford, the youngster has grown in leaps and bounds, rapidly progressing through the youth ranks and reaching the Under-23 Manchester United side.

The winger’s rapid rise isn’t a surprise, as his under eight coach Ian Riley explained in an interview.

When someone has that star talent, you can just tell,” Riley told Goal.

“It’s hard to explain, but it’s there already.”

“If you throw a ball at them, it just happens. You can teach people how to control a ball and work on their touch, but some people just have natural ability, and Shola was one of those.”

“Wherever you played him, he did alright because he had determination, and he always had confidence, though he mostly played on the right-wing.

“He liked to dribble and go past people, and he liked to cross the ball, and he scored goals. He was an all-round little package.”

The youngster broke into United’s Premier League 2 side last season, and as proof of his brilliance, he rattled the net ten times and gave eight assists in just 21 appearances.

This brilliance ensured that he got his Premier League debut just days after his 17th birthday. He also broke Manchester United’s record as he became the youngest player to feature for the Red Devils in a European competition when he was subbed on in the 74th minute in their goalless stalemate against Real Sociedad last season.

This season, the 17-year-old has been on fire for the United Youth side, with two goals in four appearances in the UEFA Youth League. He also has four goals and two assists to his name in the Premier League 2.

The height of his achievements was when he replaced Amad Diallo in Manchester United’s 1-1 draw against Young Boys in the Champions League.

The 17-year-old is a big fan of Brazilian great Ronaldinho.

“He was so confident in himself. He was skilful and had everything,” Shola told UMM’s YouTube channel.

‘If you’re not having fun on a pitch, then there’s no point. I’m always going into a game thinking I’m going to do well.’

Playing Style

Shola is a pacy winger, and he has a great passing ability. And he could be versatile, as he readily fits into any position in attack. Also, he is a deadly finisher in front of goal.

International eligibility

Shola was born in England, and he has played for the English youth teams. However, he is eligible to play for Nigeria because of his parents.

Moreover, his father, Alexander Shoretire, in an interview with the Street Journal, stated his desire for his son to feature for the Super Eagles at some point.

The youngster is yet to set Europe’s top-flight alight, but with the abundance of talent inherent in him, it is only a matter of time before the world reckons with him.