Amir Ibragimov likened to Wayne Rooney by ex-Man Utd academy coach

Amir Ibragimov is being backed for big things at Manchester United.

The attacker trained with United's senior squad last month at the age of 15.

Former United academy and premier futsal coach Raducio King recalled to the Manchester Evening News: "I didn't know much about him at first but could see his energy.

"His never-give-in mentality is what impresses me the most, if you need someone to sprint for you in the last seconds to clear the ball because there's a counter-attack, he'd be your kid.

"There aren't many I've seen that can run like him. I could see him playing as a No.10, like a Wayne Rooney role, driving forward, switching balls, tackling, attacking, you name it. Just making sure the team does well - he can attack and defend.

"I've played the game myself and I know being great at that age is good and it's something to be proud of, however, if the end goal is reaching the first team, you have to keep yourself humble and working. I think he can get there.

"Hard work beats talent and he's got both. He can be guided to become even more successful and we're one big family. He was shy at first, but if he knows you, you'll see the real Amir. He was going to be a little reserved, to begin with.

"He came to this country and couldn't speak the language, but his English is beautiful now, it's really good. I went to his recent game against PSG. His work rate was shown again but we thought he could have done better, in the sense of being more creative.

"Sometimes you have to be braver and I tell the kids to try stuff, you're still young. As a kid, building that sort of confidence is important because when you progress to the senior game, you know you've got it in your locker.

"We don't want Amir to lose his flair or creativity and as a technical coach of his, he's got all the tools in his toolbox to succeed."

Ibragimov qualifies for both Russia and England.

King added: "He'll have to decide who to represent in the future, but at the moment he's in a good place.

"England are looking after him and giving him call-ups, which is the recognition he deserves. The family are very proud of that.

"Thinking of where he came from in Dagestan, to come to this country and be accepted, to represent England is huge."