Manchester United’s academy looks set to produce another crop of impressive talents with Bassirou Nkoto among the very best.
Throughout the club’s history, there has been a rich tradition of using the youth from the academy.
Some of the best players in Manchester United history have come through the ranks, such as David Beckham and Ryan Giggs.
United have seen 251 academy graduates, with more recent examples being Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.
Within Carrington, there always appears to be the ‘next one up’ emerging with several U18s right now promising to breakthrough. But even further down the ranks, 14-year-old Bassirou Nkoto is beginning to show signs that he is possibly set for greatness.
A general view of the Carrington Training Ground prior to the Premier League 2 match between Manchester United U21 and Newcastle United U21 on Dece...
Photo by Harriet Massey/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Bassirou Nkoto is having an incredible season
Nkoto is a name which many will have heard over the past year especially, with both Bassirou and his twin brother Douka tipped to become very special players.
The teenage Nkoto twins took Super Cup NI by storm last summer scoring and assisting at will for United in that competition.
This season the pair have continued this form – but it is Bassirou who has really caught the eye as a sensational talent who seems destined to take the Premier League by storm in three or four years time.
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Playing for the U16s this season Nkoto has been so dominant as he has scored 15 goals and assisted 17 in all competitions this season.
Clips have emerged of the 14-year-old dominating his opponents and now the youngster has outlined his style of play.
Nkoto could be the next Paul Scholes for Manchester United
Speaking with X account MUFC Academy, Nkoto explained how he views himself as a footballer, saying: “I like to base my game on excellent football IQ and vision, that kind of centre midfielder”.
Who does he remind you of? 👀 💫
United U16 baller Bassirou Nkoto has been making waves in the U16s this season and we think it’s time we let you know about him.
Signed in May 2022 from Cameroon alongside his twin brother Douka Nkoto, on the same day as Cristiano Jr after… pic.twitter.com/Tkov137doI
— MUFC Academy (@mufcacademy91) February 11, 2025
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Nkoto, by his own admission, sounds like he could end up being a midfielder in the ilk of Paul Scholes.
The Cameroonian youngster can play as a number eight or in the 10 position for United and is always among the biggest impactors on a game with his dribbling and passing elite and quite simply too good for this level of football.
Despite being an U16, we would assume that toward the end of this season, he will make his U18 debut, so he is definitely one to watch out for.
In an age bracket including Douka, JJ Gabriel, Jay McEvoy and Kai Rooney, it says a lot that Bassirou is the one who is getting fans very excited.