TheCable

Shola Shoretire, Nigerian-born UK-based forward, has signed his first professional contract with Manchester United.

The Red Devils broke the news in a statement on Monday evening.

The highly-rated diminutive teen, who is another product of the club’s academy system, has put pen to paper on a professional deal — barely a few days after he turned 17.

“Manchester United is delighted to announce that Shola Shoretire has signed his first professional contract with the club,” the statement read in part.

“The England Under-16 international has been an important part of Neil Wood’s side this season, featuring 13 times in Premier League 2, scoring five goals and registering three assists.

“Shoretire will be looking to hone his talents behind the scenes and maintain his development at the club in the coming months and years.”

The skillful attacker, who joined Manchester United’s academy at the age of nine from Newcastle, has blossomed since his arrival.

In case you missed it: a 10-goal thriller from our U23s on Friday night! 🍿#MUFC #MUAcademy pic.twitter.com/k8VBjc1hSU

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 7, 2021

He scored a hat-trick in the under-23s’ entertaining 6-4 win over Blackburn Rovers on Friday.

HOW HIGHLY-RATED IS HE?

Born in Nigeria on February 2, 2004, Shoretire spent his early years in Newcastle and joined Wallsend Boys Club, a local youth set up before moving to Man United’s academy at the tender age of 9.

It is understood that the wonderkid — who juggled between his football career with GCSE studies last season — rejected a plethora of offers from Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Juventus to stay at Old Trafford.

Highly-rated at Manchester United, Shola Shoretire has been likened to Jay-Jay Okocha

Shoretire plays predominantly as a winger but has been used across all positions in attack, often as a centre forward this season.

The youngster has also been compared to Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, former Super Eagles of Nigeria playmaker and dribbling wizard, for his ability to pick defence-splitting passes and dribbling skills.

At 14 years and 314 days, he broke the Uefa Youth League record for the youngest-ever player when he featured for Man United in the club’s 2-1 win over Valencia in a competition reserved for under-19 teams.

The forward idolizes Marcus Rashford and has received advice from Mason Greenwood, the latest youngster to break into Man United’s first-team squad. He also admires the carefree, samba style of Ronaldinho.

“He was so confident in himself, he was skillful and had everything. If you’re not having fun on a pitch then there’s no point. I’m always going into a game thinking I’m going to do well,” he said in a recent interview on UMM’s YouTube channel.

Shoretire also loves being on Instagram and has nearly 52,000 followers — as of when this report was filed.

“It’s a dream come true to sign my first professional contract for my boyhood club! Such a proud day for me and my family. Thank you to everyone at the club and to my family who have helped me get to this moment. Hard work continues,” he wrote while announcing the good news on the platform.

Although Shoretire has made two appearances for England at the under-16 level, he is still eligible to play for the Super Eagles of Nigeria.