Manchester United’s U21 side were defeated 3-2 by Chelsea on Friday night, but despite that 19-year-old Shola Shoretire was in the limelight.
Friday night saw Manchester United‘s U21 side back in Premier League 2 action, taking on Chelsea away from home. It was a bad night for the academy team as they were defeated 3-2 by the Blues.
But in defeat, there was still one player who shone bright with a display Erik ten Hag should be taking notice of. Shola Shoretire was the standout for United as he scored both goals.
The 19-year-old has been something of a forgotten man at Carrington, with no loan move on the horizon despite clearly no intention to give him first-team chances.
Here’s a look at his performance which will have acted as a reminder to Erik ten Hag.
Shola Shoretire scores a brace for Manchester United U21s
Scoring a brace is always impressive and from attacking midfield, Shoretire was great against Chelsea.
Of his two goals, the second was a work of art and is deserving of its praise. Shoretire picked up the ball near his own box before driving forward on the counter.
After laying it off to continue his run, a delightful switch of play from Isak Hansen-Aaroen but United on the verge of the Chelsea box. Shoretire was then given the ball again and a silky one-two was followed by a bit of ball juggling before he volleyed it home.
It was a truly remarkable goal and one which is impossible to ignore – Shoretire will be hoping that Ten Hag was watching on Friday night.
You can watch the goal below.
United need to send Shoretire on a smart loan in January
There are several youngsters at United right now who are at the age which requires them to be involved in senior football if they want to be successful. This is something which would be difficult to achieve at United and therefore the loan market must be used.
Shoretire needs a loan to the EFL and moving to Michael Carrick‘s Middlesbrough could be perfect – even if he doesn’t start – as being an actual first-team member would be so important for him.
Joining Shoretire should be the likes of Dan Gore and Hansen-Aaroen who are both in dire need of a challenge and some senior minutes so they can reach their potential.