From ‘Kid Messi' to the next Saka: Man United’s U18 stars breaking through

Manchester United have some of the best U18 players in the country. They won the U18 Premier League National League final in the 2023/24 season and finished second in the U18 Premier League North last term.

Read on as we look at the best five U18 players at the club.

Chido Obi

He was promoted to the first team last term and played more games for them than any other teenager at the club last season.

Obi can ‘control the ball really well, he is quite quick and can get into good spaces’. He has the potential to become a world-class striker.

Diego Leon

Leon is considered one of the best teenagers in the world. The International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) named him the 4th best U18 player in 2024.

The Paraguayan youngster has a blistering pace, making it easier for him to make progressive runs from deep. He likes to cross the ball and is unafraid to get involved in ground duels.

Bendito Mantato

The English forward has drawn comparisons with Arsenal star Bukayo Saka. United had to fend off interest from other Premier League clubs to persuade him to sign a professional contract.

Mantato is a pacy forward who ‘plays with high intensity’, proficient at dribbling, and versatile. He is part of the first team squad for the US pre-season tour.

Godwill Kukonki

He was included in the travelling squad for manager Ruben Amorim’s first league game – a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town last season.

Kukonki is left-footed, physical, athletic and composed on the ball.

JJ Gabriel

The 14-year-old forward has been nicknamed ‘Kid Messi’, a testament to his massive talent. Several clubs attempted to prise him away from United, but he has committed himself to the club.

Alfie Books, the teenager’s ‘specialist one-to-one coach’, who also coached Arsenal’s Josh Nicols and Chelsea’s Tyrique George, described him as the best talent he has ever seen.

Article written by Henry Thornton .