Manchester United’s first-team transfer window is going strong, but that doesn’t mean their youth academy has been ignored, and a big example of it has arrived.
The club recently received JJ Gabriel’s commitment to stay at Man Utd for the foreseeable future in a move that ties down one of world football’s most exciting wonderkids to the club.
They have followed that up by tying down another teenage wonderkid to the team for four years, which shows their commitment to being the best youth system in the country.
The next year is shaping up to be quite an exciting one for the academy again, as JJ Gabriel will continue to play for the U18s, and he will be joined by Jayden Ngwashi now.
Manchester United youngster Jayden Ngwashi warms up for England U17.
Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Who is Jayden Ngwashi?
Jayden Ngwashi is a 16-year-old defender in Man Utd’s youth ranks who had a breakout season for the academy in 2024/25.
He will turn 17 in September, at which point he will sign professional terms with Man Utd, as Fabrizio Romano reports.
Ngwashi is the archetypal modern centre-back, who combines great physicality with technical excellence, as he has shown some encouraging ball-playing ability.
🚨✨ EXCL: Manchester United agree new four year deal with 16 year old talent Jayden Ngwashi as part of the Academy.
Despite proposals from English and European clubs, he’s decided to stay. pic.twitter.com/T4qwMWuwlr
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 30, 2025
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He made five appearances for the U18s in the Premier League last season and figures to be a much bigger part of the team in 2025/26.
Ngwashi also received minutes for the U21 side in Premier League 2, which speaks volumes about the trust he has earned from the coaches since he is just 16.
Ngwashi was attracting interest from European elites before his commitment at Old Trafford, so it is another bona fide win for Ineos’ youth policy at the club.
Man Utd’s defence shaping up to be excellent
With Ngwashi tied down on professional terms, the years ahead look extremely rosy for Man Utd because of their collection of centre-backs.
Besides Ngwashi, Daniel Armer has impressed with his physicality, looking similar to Harry Maguire.
In the senior team, there’s Ayden Heaven who has taken to senior football like a duck to water, while the likes of Godwill Kukonki, Reece Munro, and Jaydan Kamason continue to impress.
In an ideal world, even if a player or two from that crop pan out, United’s defence will be in good shape for the next decade and beyond.
The current state of the team might not look so good, but the long-term vision is panning out nicely for Ineos and Man Utd.
Ngwashi has shown enough to make sure that he remains an important part of that vision being realised.