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The Nairobian

Why Man United chiefs believe they have 'the next Jadon Sancho' in academy

Football

By Mirror | Oct 12, 2020

**Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 11, 2020 England's Jadon Sancho during the warm up before the match [REUTERS/Michael Regan]**

Manchester United chiefs are starting to believe they may already have their own version of Jadon Sancho already at the club.

The Red Devils tried desperately to sign the Borussia Dortmund star only to be rebuffed in the summer.

The Bundesliga outfit had given United until August 10 to place a bid but it never came.

Old Trafford supremos believed it was nothing more than a negotiation tactic but Dortmund were true to their word and considered all talks off.

It came as a huge blow to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who had made the England international his top target.

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Sancho had just had a brilliant season, scoring 17 and assisting 17 in the Bundesliga alone.

Ultimately, he ended up empty-handed - but all is not lost, with a shining star in the academy waiting to be discovered.

Shola Shoretire has wowed youth coaches at every level and, despite being just 16, has already been offered a pre-contract to turn professional at his next birthday.

**Shola Shoretire [Courtesy: Manchester United Evening News]**

The teenager has flown up through the ranks at United and has a remarkable talent.

He is able to play on either wing or through the middle, and is comfortable with both feet.

Last year, he made history when he became the UEFA Youth League's youngest-ever player at the age of 14 years and 314 days.

According to The Sun, United big-wigs are starting to believe they may have their own Sancho on their hands already.

United Under-18 coach Neil Ryan has been full of praise for the youngster, who he must keep grounded.

"We want to keep them humble, hard-working," he said.

"It's not just the coaching staff who do that, there are a number of staff throughout the academy, right throughout the place, feeding the same messages. It's what we pride ourselves on.

"When you see the professionalism of the likes of Marcus Rashford, he's the shining example.

"Scott McTominay, so on. These boys are products of the academy and the staff who work with them. They are our examples.

"Good players can enjoy the big stage. [Shoretire] is a really exciting player.

"He's evolving and developing, can play a number of different positions, he showed a great maturity I thought."