Photo by Zohaib Alam - MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Zohaib Alam - MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
Manchester United could lose JJ Gabriel, but a host of other elite talents remain worthy of getting excited over, including Douka Nkoto.
With JJ Gabriel asking to leave Manchester United right now, focus should be placed on the biggest academy talents who actually want to be at the club.
Jaice Dore is the next Gabriel for United, and he should therefore be prioritised and fast-tracked through the ranks, given opportunities which would otherwise have gone to the wantaway 15-year-old.
But there is another talent who is the same age, now sending an on-field statement.
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Douka Nkoto stars for Manchester United U17s
One-half of the talented Nkoto twins within Manchester United’s academy right now is Douka Nkoto, and as Gabriel’s future is seemingly the biggest story in the nation, United’s other 15-year-old talent has sent a message on the pitch.
Starting for the U17s against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League Cup, Nkoto was in elite form to send a timely reminder of how good he is.
Nkoto scored twice and also assisted twice for United in this victory for United, while playing from the left. One goal in particular was very impressive as he played a one-two before finishing past the goalkeeper from a tight angle.
Despite his age, Nkoto is already playing for Cameroon at a U23 level, which speaks of how highly regarded he is within his home nation. Nkoto is one of United’s biggest talents right now, and after a hot and cold season last term, he will now want to take the U18 Premier League by storm.
The timing of Nkoto’s stellar performance is also a huge positive, reminding everyone that United have elite options in the academy outside of just Gabriel.
Nkoto has talent that is worth getting excited about, as we expect a huge season for him. Even if Gabriel ends up staying, like there is now suggestion he could do, Nkoto is still a huge talent and one to keep close eyes on.