Manchester United Under-23 boss Neil Wood reveals what they have in mind for Shola Shoretire

17-year-old wonderkid Shola Shoretire is one of the best young talents at Manchester United.

According to the Manchester Evening News, the teenager isn’t just a special talent. He supplements ability with his attitude and work rate and could go a long way in his career.

Shoretire starred for United’s Under-23s last Friday, scoring a hat-trick in the 6-4 win against Blackburn Rovers. He then went on to sign his first professional contract with the club.

Under 23 manager Neil Wood lavished praise on the youngster and holds him in high regard. The fact that the 17-year-old can impresses in an age group above his station is a testament to his skill.

Woods believes that Shoretire and others of his age are better off developing at the club than go out on loan. He believes the youngster will find it difficult to cope and is better off right where he is at the moment.

“If you’d asked Joe to go on loan this year or Hannibal or Shola it’s too soon they just wouldn’t cope in a league.”

A necessary buffer!

Woods also dismissed the notion that Under-23 football isn’t an effective learning curve. While that may be true for senior players, it can serve as a stepping stone for upcoming talents.

“I know people say you don’t get much out of a 23s league [but] it’s almost like that year in between they need it. Shola needed it to play with intensity to understand the work rate.”

Permitting Shoretire and players such as him to go out on loan to say the Championship is a risky proposition. Still just teenagers they could struggle to compete physically and may even run the risk of getting injured.

It would appear that Shoretire is set to continue his development at United for now.

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Shoretire has played 13 league games for Neil Wood’s U-23 side, scoring five goals and bagging 3 assists. The Newcastle-born winger is versatile upfront and can be deployed on either wing. (h/t Manchester United)

Shoretire is expected to feature for the Under-23s when they host Arsenal at Leigh Sports Village this Friday.