18 Year Old Nigerian Right Back Named in Man Utd’s Squad for Fenerbahce

Talented 18 year old right back of Nigerian descent, Habeeb Ogunneye, has been named in Manchester United’s squad for their Europa League clash against Fenerbahce. Erik ten Hag will include the promising player, along with fellow teenagers Ethan Wheatley and Harry Amass, in the team travelling to Istanbul for the match at the Ülker Stadyumu Fenerbahçe Şükrü Saracoğlu Spor Kompleksi.

Ogunneye, an England youth international, was recently seen training with the first team at Manchester United’s Carrington Training Ground, hinting at his possible inclusion in the matchday squad. UEFA rules allow clubs to list 23 players in the squad, making it highly likely that Ogunneye will be on the team sheet.

The dual national defender is eager to make his senior debut after serving as an unused substitute in nine matches across various competitions last season. During pre season, he played in friendly matches against Rosenborg and Rangers.

Ogunneye signed his first professional contract with Manchester United in November 2022. Should he make his debut, he will follow in the footsteps of Shola Shoretire, the last player of Nigerian heritage to represent Manchester United in European competition, back in February 2021.

Editorial

Manchester United’s recent decision to include young talent like Habeeb Ogunneye in their Europa League squad signifies a promising future for the club. As we continue to observe the development of homegrown talent, this choice reflects a long term investment in youth, an essential strategy for clubs aiming for sustained success.

Ogunneye, alongside other young players like Ethan Wheatley and Harry Amass, represents the future of Manchester United’s defence. With his solid performances during pre-season and training, the coaching staff sees potential in him, hinting at a breakthrough into senior football sooner rather than later. For a player of Nigerian descent to be on the brink of such success is also a point of pride for the Nigerian football community, which has produced many outstanding talents over the years.

We believe that giving young players these opportunities is the lifeblood of any successful football club. Experienced managers like Erik ten Hag understand the importance of nurturing young talent and gradually exposing them to high-stakes matches like those in the Europa League. Such exposure is vital for players’ development, as it builds confidence and gives them the experience needed to excel at the highest level.

The Europa League fixture against Fenerbahce will be no walk in the park, but it presents an excellent chance for young talents like Ogunneye to test their abilities on the European stage. If he gets minutes on the pitch, it will be a significant step forward, not only for him but also for Manchester United’s broader youth development program.

By consistently introducing young players into competitive fixtures, Manchester United ensures they have a robust pipeline of talent ready to step up when needed. Ogunneye’s inclusion in this matchday squad symbolises the club’s forward thinking approach, and we, as fans and observers, should be excited for what’s to come.

Did You Know?

• Habeeb Ogunneye joined Manchester United’s youth academy at the age of 13.
• Ogunneye has represented England at the U17 and U19 levels in youth international competitions.
• Manchester United’s youth academy has produced famous footballers like Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, and Paul Scholes.
• Shola Shoretire was the last Nigerian player to debut for Manchester United in European competition in 2021.
• Erik ten Hag has a reputation for developing young talent, having nurtured players like Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong at Ajax.