One area that Manchester United have boasted excellent recruitment over the past 12 months is in the academy.
Ineos have placed heavy emphasis on the future in their opening three transfer windows in charge of Manchester United’s footballing department.
In the summer of 2024, there were several wonderkids acquired with the signing of 17-year-old Chido Obi from Arsenal headlining the summer business. Additionally, United completed the signing of Sekou Kone from FC Guidars for just £1m which has panned out well so far.
This trend continued in January, with United signing Ayden Heaven from Arsenal for just £1.5m and he has almost instantly become a key first team player under Ruben Amorim.
Now, summer 2025 has already followed this trend with United confirming the signing of Diego Leon from Cerro Porteno for a fee of just £3.2m.
United have also signed Harley James-Emsden, and now Nick Cox has more additions in mind.
Manchester City academy stadium stands.
Photo by Harriet Massey/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Manchester City beat Manchester United to Tyrese Noubissie in 2023
With an already nation leading academy, United are always looking for the best talents to add to the ranks.
Last week, this saw reports around United wanting to sign two of England’s finest young midfielders, in Fulham’s Seth Ridgeon and Manchester City’s Tyrese Noubissie.
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The pair are considered among the best in the country at their age, with Noubissie in particular having an interesting story behind his interest.
This is because it isn’t the first time that the teenager has been linked with a move to Carrington.
Back in 2023, according to The Sun, United were rivalling Manchester City for the signature of Noubissie from Leicester City, when he was just 14.
Noubissie cost City £1m at the time and he was tipped as a future first team starter, however, he now set to depart this summer and United are believed to be leading the race.
Manchester United have rolled out the red carpet for Tyrese Noubissie
United have made strong efforts to sign Noubissie this summer, with the French youth international being given a tour of Carrington headed by Nick Cox, while Jason Wilcox and Ruben Amorim featured in the pitch.
This treatment was also given to Ridgeon, while in recent memory, United have also rolled out the red carpet in this manner for Jude Bellingham in recent memory.
Having missed out on the 16-year-old when he was younger, United clearly have kept an eye on his development and seem convinced he is a player worth signing to play under Darren Fletcher in the U18s next season.
United poached the Fletcher twins from City two years ago and this deal would be similar in terms of quality and impressive nature considering how highly rated Noubissie is.
Whether United can win the race against fierce competition remains to be seen.