Manchester United’s academy is world-renowned for its quality. Over the course of history, the likes of David Beckham, Paul Scholes, and Ryan Giggs have come through their youth system, while more recent notable alumni include Marcus Rashford, Paul Pogba, and Mason Greenwood. Like always, there are many promising talents currently working their way through the ranks, with players like James Garner and Hannibal Mejbri seemingly on the verge of a first-team breakthrough. Ayodeji Sotona is another who is showing an abundance of potential, and one who could become special in the not-too-distant future.
Ayodeji Sotona Can Be Something Special at Manchester United
Good Form this Season
Sotona has shown his exceptional ability and good form this season. The attacker has four goals and two assists from six starts in the U18 Premier League, showing his worth to the side.
Furthermore, he has been an outlet when played down the left, and equally useful when deployed in a more central role.
The 17-year-old has demonstrated his talent running down the wing, and making beautiful crosses into the centre, putting himself on the scene as one of United’s most encouraging players.
Ayodeji Sotona is Lightning Fast
Adoyeji Sotona is the fastest player within the club. Officially.
As the Daily Mail reported, United held sprint speed timings at Carrington in September. Just 16 at the time, he stepped up to the plate, outpacing everyone in the academy and first-team, overtaking players such as Daniel James, Rashford, and Diogo Dalot. This has shown in his gameplay too. Being electric down the wing, combined with his dribbling ability, makes for a menacing player.
Developing Diversity Across the Attack
The Irish born attacker, who is also eligible for both Nigeria and England, is developing diversity across the front-line.
Having started the season as a left-winger, the 17-year-old is now playing comfortably at centre-forward, thanks to an injury to Dillon Hoogewerf, who recently signed his first professional contract.
Sotona has been as excellent as ever since the change in positions. He registered a brace in their most recent game, a 3-2 win over Everton U18s.
He could now be in consideration for a promotion to the U23s, and with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s liberal approach to giving youth a chance, you never know when he could even appear in the Manchester United first-team.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
