Manchester United have several talented teenagers all on the cusp of earning a first-team opportunity, but not all will get the chance.
Throughout the history of Manchester United, the academy has played a massive part, often producing star players.
Nearly every season, there is at least one breakout player who steps up into the United first team and establishes themselves as a key figure.
Ruben Amorim awarded three academy debuts last season, with Chido Obi being the biggest name of the trio, alongside Harry Amass and Tyler Fredricson.
Heading toward the 2025-26 season, and it is expected that many more youngsters will be in the running to make their debuts.
Among them, Shea Lacey looks destined to make the step up for United, although there is one talent who can be more of a shock breakout.
Amir Ibragimov celebrates scoring for Manchester United under-18.
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
Amir Ibragimov coming off strong academy season for Manchester United
When listing the most exciting footballers currently at Carrington, few names would be placed ahead of Amir Ibragimov.
The Dagestan-born 17-year-old has been heralded as one of the most high-potential youngsters at the club for years, with Ibragimov tipped as having ‘all the talent in the world’
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Despite this, up until last season, it was considered purely potential, with little to go on, considering he had primarily only played for the under-16s.
But during the 2024-25 season, Ibragimov rapidly became one of the best players for Adam Lawrence.
This led to United handing Ibragimov a professional contract shortly after he turned 17, with hopes high for his future under Amorim.
Ibragimov has been heralded as a ‘real danger’ for United and, having made academy football look easy, including against senior opposition for the under-21s, now he will be hoping to reach new levels next season.
Amir Ibragimov could be a surprise breakout for Ruben Amorim during 2025-26
Ibragimov is immense on the ball, with excellent technique, but he backs this up with a strong work rate and a willingness to do dirty work.
Last summer, Ibragimov stated his desire to debut for United during the 2024-25 season, and while he didn’t achieve this, he has positioned himself as one of the players most likely to make the leap up to the first team in the 2025-26 season.
With United looking to get rid of four players who could play number 10 in Amorim’s system, in the form of United’s very own ‘bomb squad’ with Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Marcus Rashford, Ibragimov could be well placed to make his debut in this role.
Ibragimov is likely to be an under-21 regular to start this season; however, if he shows the same form as last year, then he could very quickly catch Amorim’s eye.
It will be a challenge to earn the chance to represent the first team, but he is certainly well-positioned.