I was at Old Trafford as Manchester United completed a come-from-behind win to reach the FA Youth Cup, in which I expected to be wowed by JJ Gabriel, but instead saw Noah Ajayi put his name up in lights.
JJ Gabriel has been the star of Manchester United’s academy this season, and a big factor in the current rise in academy popularity, but he had a rare quiet night on Wednesday.
United under-18s beat Sunderland 3-2 on the night, under the lights at Old Trafford, and in fitting Red Devils fashion, it was a come-from-behind win.
With Gabriel not at his lightning best, as Sunderland’s defence was angled toward stopping him, it was up to the other attackers to make things happen, and Noah Ajayi did exactly this, catching the eye.
United didn’t start well, and Sunderland’s defence was holding strong. That is, until Ajayi had had enough and took matters into his own hands.
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Noah Ajayi running in celebration for Manchester United U18
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Noah Ajayi scores a brilliant goal in FA Youth Cup win
At just 17, Ajayi is one of the biggest breakout talents of 2026 so far, kicking on in recent months, and he was brilliant against Sunderland with a man of the match worthy performance.
He showed early glimpses, but 36 minutes into the game came his decisive actions, with Ajayi scoring a goal worth watching back on replay.
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The German youngster cut inside on his right foot, with a low, driven shot into the bottom corner, which the goalkeeper stood no chance of stopping.
Ajayi also showed multiple more instances of his brilliance, being impossible for defenders to dispossess, and when he gets in his stride, he’s hard to stop.
He might not have the magic of Gabriel, but Ajayi is quickly showing he is worth being excited over for reasons different from his teammate. However, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t deserve to be considered in a similar vein.
I was blown away by Ajayi’s ability to pick up the ball and drive forward with it, his physical profile with his long legs giving him an evasiveness when dribbling, while he was also quick and, as shown, capable of striking the ball perfectly to score.
Ajayi’s profile has made me a big fan, and while I expected to come away from Old Trafford remarking over how special Gabriel is – and he absolutely is, with glimpses against Sunderland proving it – instead, I am going to be hailing Ajayi.
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Noah Ajayi playing for Man Utd u18s
Photo by Poppy Townson – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
Ajayi must also be fast-tracked by Manchester United this year
Gabriel is expected to head on the pre-season tour with United, with the 15-year-old earning the fast-track through the ranks by the club as he could skip the under-21s altogether.
If this is the case, Ajayi must also be considered for similar treatment ahead of a summer when left-wing will be a transfer priority for the club.
Ajayi is stepping out of Gabriel’s shadow at United, with his performance levels since the turn of the year being so impressive, including some truly sensational strikes.
Given the German’s size and physicality, he could actually be ready to be considered a viable first-team candidate to offer depth on that left side, while his ability to strike balls in the manner he does is something replicable in the senior game.
So, I now expect Ajayi to find himself in the spotlight. But if he can handle it, then his opportunities to step up could be close.
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