Manchester United Eye Fulham and City Starlets in Bid to Boost Academy Pipeline | OneFootball

Manchester United’s Youth Power Move Signals Fresh Ambition

Rising stars on the radar

Manchester United are casting their net wide in the search for the country’s top young footballers, with England Under-17s captain Seth Ridgeon and Manchester City academy product Tyrese Noubissie both being courted by the Old Trafford club. As reported by The Standard, United have “offered contracts” to both players in what appears a deliberate move to reshape the club’s next generation.

Photo IMAGO

Seth Ridgeon: Fulham’s midfield gem

At just 16, Ridgeon is attracting interest from United, City, Chelsea and Liverpool. Fulham are desperate to hold on, but “The Athletic report that United’s impressive offer makes them his most likely destination.” An attacking midfielder of vision and guile, Ridgeon is said to be viewed as a future first-team prospect, having already made waves with his leadership of the national youth side.

Noubissie’s decision to move

Noubissie’s decision to leave Manchester City is just as telling. The “six-four-two midfielder who cost £1million two years ago… has decided to leave City after struggling to find playing opportunities.” His dual nationality adds a layer of European appeal, with “Chelsea sister club Strasbourg” noted as a possible suitor. Still, United’s timing and access could prove decisive.

Meeting Amorim and visualising the future

Crucially, both players “have been given tours of both Old Trafford and the club’s Carrington training complex, during which they met first-team manager Ruben Amorim.” That personal touch matters. Amorim’s presence and reputation for nurturing young players may be key in persuading these highly rated teenagers to commit to United’s vision.

Our View – EPL Index

This is exactly the kind of proactive move fans have been hoping for. Forget bloated fees for fading stars, this shows United are thinking long-term. “Seth Ridgeon” has all the traits of a future number ten and leading your country at Under-17 level does not happen by accident. If he can be secured, that is a statement. Fulham have a good record of producing talent but if the lad is serious about making the jump, he has to go where the opportunities and coaching are superior. Amorim might be the key to that pathway.

“Tyrese Noubissie” walking away from Manchester City takes courage and suggests he is backing himself. That six-foot-four frame and the £1million fee City paid highlight how highly he was rated. United could be getting him at just the right moment, while others hesitated. Strasbourg sniffing around means this is no hidden gem either.

The club seem to be recruiting smarter under Amorim. It is no longer just about the now. United have been lacking identity and purpose in youth recruitment since the Ferguson years. Moves like this could bring it back.