Shola was born 2004 in Newcastle, and at 16 he is a regular in Uniteds 18s. He first signed for United age 10 and has flown through the ranks at the club.
Age 14 he became the youngest every player to play in the Uefa Youth League (U19), a clear sign of United’s intention to fast track him. That was the end of Shola staying under the radar though. Since then he has also gone on to play for the U23s in a friendly with Club Brugge. United are pulling out all the stops to keep the youngster happy and training at Carrington.
Shola also scored the winner in the FA Youth Cup Quarter Final. “He was at school today, all day! Then he came over to Old Trafford to play,” the U18 coach Neil Ryan said. “It’s incredible really. Different day for him compared to other players.”
Whilst being settled in his club football despite world wide interest his international future is less certain with Shola having to chose between his Nigerian background and England.
Shola is right footed but prefers to start as a left winger, he comfy on his left too, and can also play at right wing. He small and may also find he can play as the centre forward as he breaks into first team football.
A lot of people have talked about his great off the field mindset, he is a humble and hard working player who United are investing heavily in.
He has lovely skills on the ball, he’s quick, and has sharp changes of direction. He can be pretty direct when he gets on the ball in attacking areas and I have seen some excellent hold up play too. His close control is good and he has an excellent vision of pass. I think with any small player there is a question over them but seems to be able to handle his size really well and use it to his advantage.
United have another big potential talent on their hands.