Ajayi close to signing professional terms as Gabriel shines in United's pre-season friendlies

Noah Ajayi is close to signing a professional contract with Manchester United, easing fears that the promising winger could leave the club after his name was absent from a recent announcement of nine academy players who had agreed professional terms.

Ajayi, born in Hamburg to a Nigerian father and German mother, had been linked with Bayern Munich this summer, and his omission from that list prompted concern among supporters. However, it is understood that while there is still work to do to finalise the agreement, everything is moving in the right direction and he is expected to remain at Carrington.

The 18-year-old was one of the standout performers in United’s academy last season, scoring nine goals across all competitions for the Under-18s. That tally included the only goal in the Premier League League Cup final against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, a performance that drew comparisons with a young Marcus Rashford because of the way he moved down the left wing.

Meanwhile, JJ Gabriel continued to catch the eye in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Championship side Sheffield Wednesday at Carrington this week. The winger initiated the move himself, playing a one-two down the left before losing his marker with a piece of skill to fashion space inside the box, and he finished with a terrific effort. Gabriel had already been a talking point during the FA Youth Cup campaign last season, and his pre-season form suggests he is building momentum ahead of the new Under-21 campaign.

Elsewhere, Jaydan Kamason’s situation remains unresolved. The winger impressed in United’s friendly against Rosenborg last month, contributing two assists in the second half, and a Championship loan is considered the most likely route for his continued development. However, with the EFL season already under way and no loan yet arranged, time is running short. Kamason is not alone — several academy players still need moves confirmed before the transfer deadline.

United’s loan strategy has come under scrutiny, with the club’s approach appearing disjointed given that ideally such arrangements would be in place at the start of summer to allow players to settle into new environments. The Under-18s open their new season against Manchester City this weekend, while the Under-21s host Ipswich Town on Monday night.