Manchester United U18’s starlet Noah Ajayi has come in for huge praise for his superb performance against Crystal Palace. The Reds, wearing white tonight, were cruelly beaten 6-5 on penalties at Selhurst Park, missing out on the Premier League Cup.
Ajayi caught the eye from the get-go, gliding his way into the box before he was stopped by Palace’s Charlie Walker-Smith. But moments later, he gave the visitors the lead.
The 17-year-old German winger, played through on goal by Chido Obi, took a neat touch before placing a delightful low-driven effort past Lucca Benetton. It was an excellent goal that had plenty of fans wowed.
Ajayi Stars in Loss to Palace
Ajayi continued to make an impact, toying with defenders and reminding many he’s just as big a prospect as JJ Gabriel. Unfortunately, his night ended early after he made a challenge, which ended with him twisting his ankle.
The German was forced off in a massive setback for Darren Fletcher’s side. It appeared that the Red Devils had prevailed until the 90+2nd minute when they were reduced to ten men.
Benji Casey raced towards goal and Albert Mills initially had a hold of his shirt outside the box before the Palace frontman went down in the box. Fabio Roque pointed to the spot and awarded a penalty, which Casey took and just fired past Cameron Byrne-Hughes.
The two sides couldn’t be separated in extra time, and a penalty shootout was required. Every penalty was converted except Godwill Kukonki, who saw his effort turned onto the bar by Benetton.
Man United Fans Impressed With Ajayi
Fans were impressed with Ajayi’s showing and gave glowing verdicts of the German youngster. One supporter wrote on X:
“Ajayi is some player.”
Another feels this level is too easy for him:
“Noah Ajayi is not a bad winger, always looks the player, is this level too easy for him or could he be a player.”
“Ajayi might be next up from la carrington baller.”
Another rued the German going off injured:
“Haven’t been the same since Ajayi went off injured. Chido too casual with his chance to make it 0-2 too. Shame.”
One fan echoed this:
“Ajayi injury changed the game. Been 50-50 since then.”
Ajayi moved to England at the age of 10 and joined United’s academy after signing his scholarship aged 16 in 2025. He took his tally for the season to eight goals in 21 games across competitions tonight.
