- Noah Ajayi has impressed under Darren Fletcher in 2025/26
- Academy star touted for big things with Red Devils
- Bayern Munich scouts in attedance at recent U18 match
Manchester United‘s youth academy is thriving under the spotlight once again. Under Ruben Amorim, it felt like at times that Carrington was just an afterthought.
At one point, the Portuguese manager had to pledge that he would not break the 88-year club record of at least one Academy player in the starting eleven or bench.
However, under Michael Carrick, the return of the ‘United DNA’ has moved towards highlighting the importance of youth in the side. Poster boy Kobbie Mainoo’s reintroduction and long-term commitment to the club emphasise that point more than any other.
Following that same pathway as Mainoo are other youth prospects who hope to make it to the first team at Manchester United. For some talents, that day is a lot closer than others.
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Bayern Souts Come to Watch Noah Ajayi
According to MUFCAcademy91 on X, “Bayern had a scout at a U18 game recently” to watch Noah Ajayi in action. Ajayi has links to Germany, given he was born in Hamburg before moving to England with his father aged 10.
Despite scouts from the Bundesliga champions being present, it is not expected that the winger will be tempted to move away as he “loves the club” and “United rate him highly”.
Ajayi is currently signed to a scholarship deal at United as of last summer. The 17-year-old has been eligible to sign a professional contract since earlier this season. However, the Reds have not taken up that opportunity yet, with the scholarship valid until 2027.
The Hamburg-born winger has starred in the U18 team led by Darren Fletcher in 2025/26. Since the turn of the year, he has been a prominent figure alongside wonderkid JJ Gabriel in attack. Ajayi has featured in sixteen U18 Premier League games, scoring 7 goals in all competitions.
Is Fast Tracking Ajayi the Correct Decision?
With Bayern’s interest in mind, it could prompt the club to review Ajayi’s situation this summer. A professional contract offer would be a real statement of intent from United, and give faith to the player in their commitment to his development.
Ajayi is expected to feature in preseason, where he could get his first taste of senior football. With many stars expected to return late on in the European tour, academy startlets will have the chance to impress in the earlier games.
United’s pursuit of another left-sided winger has been talked about. Matheus Cunha is currently the first choice, with Patrick Dorgu expecting to compete for the same role as well as left back. However, there could be a place for Ajayi if he continues to develop at this rate sometime next season.
United will compete in 50-60 games next season, which could appease Ajayi’s camp at the idea of playing in domestic cup competitions such as the EFL Cup or FA Cup. Being on a scholarship deal means that the option to go out on loan is out of the window.
However, United do need to show some signs of wanting to fast-track the young winger, just in case his head does turn at the idea of returning to his native homeland.
READ MORE: Who is Noah Ajayi? German Starlet Thriving for Manchester United at Youth Level
