Rio Ngumoha grabbed the headlines on Monday night as the teenager scored Liverpool’s last-gasp winner against Newcastle.
Manchester United fans have witnessed wonderkids coming off the bench to score dramatic winners. Few were more important than Federico Macheda’s debut winner against Aston Villa to help Sir Alex Ferguson’s side win the Premier League in 2009.
There have been questions over Ruben Amorim’s use of some academy graduates since becoming United’s head coach, especially amid growing speculation over Kobbie Mainoo’s future in the team.
Mainoo, 20, emerged as a first-team player under Erik ten Hag two years ago before going on to score in United’s FA Cup final win over Man City. The young midfielder has yet to play a minute of competitive football after being overlooked in the first two league games of the season.
However, Ineos have focused on youth with their recruitment since taking control of football operations at United. There is evidence of that following the signings of Chido Obi, Sekou Kone, Leny Yoro and Diego Leon.
There is a long tradition of producing and developing the best young players at United. Amorim must keep that in mind as he builds for the future.
Rio Ngumoha celebrating against Newcastle
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Liverpool’s Rio Nhumoha supports Manchester United
Rio Ngumoha made a name for himself on Monday when he became the youngest goalscorer in Liverpool’s history, at the age of 16 years and 361 days.
Ngumoha scored in the 10th minute of stoppage time to ensure Liverpool beat Newcastle 3-2 at St James’ Park, after Arne Slot’s side threw away a two-goal lead for the second week running.
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The 16-year-old came on as a substitute to replace Cody Gakpo four minutes before he found the back of the net with the match-winner.
However, it didn’t take long for a video to emerge on social media with Ngumoha declaring his love for United and David Beckham.
During Ngumoha’s time at Chelsea, the teenager took part in a video and was asked to pick the best player between Jude Bellingham and Beckham.
Nhumoha said: “I’m a Man United fan. I didn’t really watch Beckham, but I have to go with David Beckham.”
@bassqlfoot Vous êtes d’accord ? Rio Ngumoah x Max Downman x Bass @adidas #Arsenal #Chelsea #Premierleague #Football #Scouting #cracks ♬ son original – L2B_Fans
After coming through the youth ranks at Chelsea, Nhumoha joined Liverpool’s academy in 2024.
Only time will tell if Nhuomha will enjoy a breakthrough season at Anfield this term.
Youngest Man Utd scorers
Norman Whiteside is the youngest player to score for United as a 17-year-old (8 days) in 1982 against Stoke City.
In the top five list, Whiteside is joined by Sammy McIlroy and David Pegg.
Whiteside has been the youngest United scorer since 1982.
Five youngest Manchester United scorers
Norman Whiteside
Alex Dawson
Cliff Birkett
Sammy McIlroy
David Pegg