Man Utd's 'next Wayne Rooney' called up by Erik ten Hag sends strong message to Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim has been confirmed as Manchester United’s new manager after the sacking of Erik ten Hag but the Dutchman has left behind one of the Red Devils’ most promising young stars
by Daniel Orme · The MirrorRuben Amorim could have Manchester United’s ‘next Wayne Rooney ’ on his hands as he prepares to take control at Old Trafford.
The Sporting Lisbon boss has recently been confirmed as the successor to Erik ten Hag following the Dutchman’s sacking last month. And while he has a big job on his hands in the immediate future to recover from what has been a tricky start to the season, it appears things look far brighter in the long term.
Ten Hag had already ensured a number of stars had received opportunities following their time in the club’s youth system. That includes Kobbie Mainoo and Dan Gore, while Chido Obi Martin has enjoyed an electric start to life with the Red Devils.
It now appears that there are even more promising youngsters coming through. 16-year-old starlet Amir Ibragimov is already making waves at Carrington.
Having trained with the club’s first team under Ten Hag, he has enjoyed a stunning start to the new season. The youngster already has five goals in eight appearances for the club’s under-18 side, a record that includes a hat-trick in an 8-0 win against Leeds over the weekend.
Ibragimov is considered as one of the most promising products of United’s academy over recent years. He trained under Ten Hag and was subsequently rewarded with a new contract in the summer.
Taking to Instagram after putting pen to paper, he wrote: “I’m proud to represent this badge and wear this blazer, connected to the club’s history.”
Ibragimov is eligible to represent both Russia and England internationally. He has already appeared for the Three Lions’ under-16 side and has been backed to follow in the footsteps of United record goalscorer Rooney.
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Academy coach Raducio King said: "I could see him playing as a No10, 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."
Ibragimov will certainly hope to grab the attention of new boss Amorim with his goalscoring exploits. And former Benfica B coach Joao Nuno Fonseca has explained how the Portuguese tactician relishes giving youth an opportunity.
"The work that he has done and is continuing to do in developing young talent is the biggest reason for his success," Fonseca said to Sky Sports. "Sporting have an amazing academy with a lot of talent. And Ruben is a coach who has an ability to shape diamonds.
He adds: "I know how difficult it is to manage those egos at Benfica. Making that step from the youth to the first team, you need to have a certain sensibility. At the same time, the president is demanding performances and results. He has delivered all of it."
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