Manchester United officially sign winger on long-term contract

Manchester United’s summer transfer business dominated headlines from the moment the window opened back in June.

Michael Carrick rebuilt his midfield, which. was headlined by a deal for Carlos Baleba alongside Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos.

Joshua Zirkzee’s future dragged on right up until deadline day itself, with United eventually choosing to keep him despite interest from Juventus and a late loan approach from Everton.

Amid all that spending on the senior squad, United’s ability to develop and retain their own talent has continued in the background.

One winger’s situation has now been resolved in United’s favour before it could turn into a fresh transfer saga of its own.

Manchester United officially sign winger on long-term contract

Exciting youngster Noah Ajayi has committed his future to Manchester United, signing a long-term professional contract, as the club announced on their website.

Born in Hamburg to a Nigerian father and German mother, Noah Ajayi began his football journey at local side TSV Sasel before moving to England with his father at the age of 10 and joining United in 2019.

He signed scholarship terms in 2025, and his rise since has been remarkably rapid, making his Under-21 debut as a 16-year-old substitute in a 4-1 win over Reading before backing that up with an Under-18 bow just a day later against Nottingham Forest.

Ajayi enjoyed a breakthrough season last season under Darren Fletcher, scoring 9 goals and adding an assist across 22 appearances for the Under-18s, despite starting only 14 of those matches.

His form was central to United’s run to the FA Youth Cup final, including a superb long-range strike against Sunderland in the quarter-finals at Old Trafford, before United were eventually beaten 2-1 by Manchester City in the final itself.

Standing at 6ft 2in, Ajayi typically operates from the left, using his pace and physical power to attack defenders before cutting inside onto his stronger right foot.

He has also represented Germany at youth level, featuring for the Under-19s during 2026 European Championship qualifying, giving him international recognition to match his rapid progress.

A club statement read, “Everyone at Manchester United is delighted that Noah has signed a new deal and looks forward to seeing him progress.”

Ajayi is now part of a talented emerging group at Carrington, with staff already impressed by his progress through the age groups.

He is expected to continue training with Carrick’s first-team squad periodically this season as United assess the next stage of his development.