Manchester United have seen Kobbie Mainoo emerge as a serious first-team star, but not every young prospect at the club can reach those levels.
There is a long, long history of Manchester United giving chances to academy players.
After all, Ethan Wheatley became United’s 250th academy graduate to make their first-team debut back in April.
The ‘Class of 92’ remains a major source of pride and Kobbie Mainoo is now representing the United academy admirably.
Mainoo broke into the United side this past season and made himself an almost instant fan favourite.
The 19-year-old turned in superb performances beyond his years and deservedly finds himself in the England squad at Euro 2024.
Not everybody can go on that same path though and some United talents have to move on to find their way in the game.
Shola Shoretire nearing Manchester United exit
That may soon apply to Shola Shoretire as the United talent nears a departure.
Shoretire’s contract at United expires in less than a week and confusion has surrounded his future.
United announced in June that discussions with Shoretire were ongoing with lingering hopes of keeping him at the club.
News on that front has been thin on the ground for nearly three weeks now, but it doesn’t look good for United.
Manchester World report that there is now a ‘growing expectation’ that Shoretire will be moving on.
United still have some hope that a last-gasp deal can be thrashed out this week but forward Shoretire currently looks set to leave at the end of his deal.
United allegedly believe that Old Trafford is still the best place for Shoretire’s development and appear to be offering certain opportunities to convince him to stay.
Pre-season appearances and a loan move away from United are being offered up to Shoretire.
Right now though, Shoretire seems set to walk away and try his luck elsewhere.
Shoretire will hope to follow in the footsteps of Angel Gomes
The move away from United doesn’t always work out well.
Josh Harrop springs to mind; he scored on his first United start but snubbed a new deal to sign for Preston North End.
After initial promise, Harrop faded and was recently released by Cheltenham Town.
That is the risk but Shoretire may believe that he can follow in the footsteps of somebody like Angel Gomes.
Midfielder Gomes quit United in 2020 for a move to Lille and, whilst it took a while, he is now shining in France.
Shoretire had a strong Premier League 2 campaign, hitting seven goals and four assists in just nine appearances.
That kind of form may well have attracted major interest and it may just be enough for Shoretire to give up on his United dream and go elsewhere.
