Sports - Football - All Teams
Updated: February 10, 2021

Manchester United Player Of Nigerian Descent, Shoretire Compared To Okocha

By Ridwan Yusuf
February 10, 2021
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Manchester United youngster, Shola Shoretire has been compared to former Super Eagles of Nigeria captain, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha behind the scenes at the English Premier League (EPL) club, according to reports.

The 17-year-old signed a professional contract with the Red Devils on Monday. And manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is likely to give him minutes in the senior team before the end of the campaign.

United had said in a statement: “Manchester United is delighted to announce that Shola Shoretire has signed his first professional contract with the club.

“The 17-year-old forward, who has been with United since the age of nine, is another product of the club's outstanding Academy system.

"It has been a great week for Shoretire (pronounced Shor-ay-ti-reh), who scored a hat-trick in the Under-23s' entertaining 6-4 win over Blackburn Rovers on Friday.

“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.”

Now, according to the Daily Mail, Shoretire has been compared to Bolton legend, Okocha.

Okocha is widely-regarded as one of the best African players of all-time, and one of the most skilful players the EPL has seen, having flourished during his time in England.

Furthermore, United are hopeful Shoretire who was born in Newcastle, with Nigerian ancestry courtesy of his father, can kick on under Solskjaer just like his countryman did under Sam Allardyce at the Reebok Stadium.

The teenager has attempted to base his game off Ronaldinho, a Brazilian football legend.

He now looks set to be the next United superstar from within their own academy.

Solskjaer has not been afraid to turn to youth throughout his time at Old Trafford, handing debuts to the likes of Mason Greenwood, Brandon Williams, Tahith Chong, James Garner and Teden Mengi so far.

And Shoretire could be next now that he is training with the first team squad.

He is capable of playing on the wings but also centrally, meaning his versatility could imply an attractive trait.

Solskjaer was photographed with the youngster on Monday after signing a new contract, and when Shoretire features for the team remains to be seen.

The 17-year-old is not the only academy player knocking on the door to start matches soon, either.

United have high hopes for Hannibal Mejbri and have been impressed by the midfielder’s bravery so far, given he’s often on the end of some brutal tackles at youth level.

Solskjaer recently lauded Joe Hugill, who arrived from Sunderland back in the summer, after he scored four times against Liverpool.

Having seen their Premier League title challenge falter, Manchester United reached the FA Cup quarter-final on Tuesday night when beat West Ham at Old Trafford, courtesy of an extra-time winning goal from midfielder Scott McTominay.