Manchester United close in on signing talented winger

Michael Carrick has several established attacking options available at Manchester United, but constructing a successful squad requires more than spending heavily on ready-made first-team players.

The club’s ability to develop its own talent has provided different managers with valuable options while allowing supporters to retain a connection with players who understand what representing United means.

Kobbie Mainoo’s breakthrough demonstrated how quickly an academy prospect can become an important member of the senior squad when performances and opportunity align.

Maintaining that pathway requires United to protect their most promising players before rival clubs can tempt them away, particularly when strong youth performances begin attracting attention from across Europe.

United now appear close to securing the future of academy winger Noah Ajayi, with Nathan Salt reporting that the 17-year-old’s first professional contract is nearing completion.

Writing on X, Salt revealed: “Expectation is that Noah Ajayi’s pro contract is close to being finalised, too.”

The update follows that Ajayi is in advanced talks with United and that all parties expect an agreement to be reached.

That would represent an important piece of business for the club, with the highly-rated youngster previously linked with a return to Germany.

Born in Hamburg, Noah Ajayi played for local side TSV Sasel before moving to England with his father at the age of 10 and subsequently joining United’s academy.

He signed scholarship terms in 2025 and enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last season, developing into one of the most dangerous attackers in United’s under-18 side.

Ajayi scored nine goals and registered one assist across 22 appearances, despite starting only 14 of those matches.

The winger was particularly impressive during United’s run to the FA Youth Cup final, scoring a superb long-range effort against Sunderland in the quarter-finals at Old Trafford.

United were eventually beaten 2-1 by Manchester City in the final, but Ajayi’s performances throughout the competition significantly strengthened his reputation.

He usually operates from the left, using his pace, balance and physical power to attack defenders before cutting inside onto his stronger right foot.

Ajayi is also expected to receive further opportunities to train with Carrick’s first-team squad this season as United assess the next stage of his development.

Professional terms would not guarantee him a senior breakthrough, but finalising the agreement would ensure one of Carrington’s brightest attacking prospects can continue working towards that opportunity in Manchester.