Manchester United’s U18s were back in league action on Saturday afternoon, with Darren Fletcher’s side taking another step towards taking the crown.
After almost an entire month off, Manchester United’s U18 side beat Leeds 2-0 on Saturday to keep the pressure up on Manchester City, going three points clear, although City holds two games in hand.
In the game, JJ Gabriel scored his 22nd goal of the season across all competitions as he converted the rebound from his missed penalty to secure the three points, reaffirming himself as the top U18 scorer in the country.
However, for a change, it wasn’t the 15-year-old who stole all the show, with Noah Ajayi the best player on the pitch for United despite not scoring.
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Godwill Kukonki of Manchester United during the FA Youth Cup fourth round match between Manchester United and Derby County at Old Trafford on January 23, 2026
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Noah Ajayi playing for Man Utd under-18s
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Noah Ajayi looks a cut above for Manchester United right now
Gabriel was outperformed in the FA Youth Cup win vs Sunderland, with his academy teammates stepping up on a rare off day.
Ajayi took the spotlight off Gabriel in that win and against Leeds in the league; this happened again.
Gabriel scored, but his performance wasn’t his usual magic as Leeds hacked him down multiple times, resulting in gashes on his leg post-game as he revealed on his Instagram.
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But in the game, Ajayi was brilliant down the left side despite not being rewarded for his efforts. Ajayi also played as United’s U21 side lost to Newcastle on Friday night, but you wouldn’t have known, as he looked fresh and caused Leeds lots of problems.
Ajayi took on the right back and beat him several times in the game, eventually being doubled up on, but he still had joy. The German youth international saw one cross headed against the post by Nathaniel-Junior Brown.
He also had a couple of strong efforts on goal, which forced big saves. Ajayi was completely unplayable, and only by crowding him out were Leeds able to avoid him punishing them.
Noah Ajayi will be Manchester United’s next attacking academy graduate… Do you agree?
Noah Ajayi playing for Man Utd u18s
Photo by Poppy Townson – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
Noah Ajayi should get first team opportunity for Manchester United this season
While Gabriel isn’t eligible to play senior football right now and will have to wait until August at least, Ajayi could debut as soon as he is deemed ready.
Michael Carrick will have taken in some of Ajayi’s best performances, and it wouldn’t be surprising if the 17-year-old was pushed toward a debut at the back end of this season.
United are so close to securing Champions League football, and if this is wrapped up in the next four games as it potentially could be, Ajayi should be one of the players handed a debut in a fairly pressure-free situation.
Ajayi is physically ready for professional football, and with United weighing up signing a left winger in the summer, giving a talented prospect the chance to stake his claim for the position makes sense.
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