Parker's brace at Mansfield signals why Man City rejected United and Arsenal bids for 16-year-old

Xavier Parker answered every question about his future with two goals in Manchester City’s 4-1 Under-21 victory at Mansfield Town’s One Call Stadium in the Vertu Trophy on Wednesday, weeks after signing a new scholarship deal that will automatically convert into a professional contract next summer.

The 16-year-old midfielder had been linked with moves to Manchester United and Arsenal over the summer, but City held firm and Parker’s performance against a Stags side packed with senior EFL experience illustrated exactly why the club were so determined to keep him. He opened the scoring with a composed finish from the edge of the box after being given time and space, then prodded in a second from close range shortly afterwards.

Despite not turning 17 until May, Parker did not look out of place competing against seasoned professionals. He was a consistent presence in the heart of midfield — calm and technically assured in possession, sharp in his movement, and willing to engage physically. One recurring battle with half-time substitute Deji Oshilaja, a player more than twice Parker’s age, underlined his readiness for the step up.

Under-21 head coach Oliver Reiss was measured but clear in his assessment. “He is definitely special,” Reiss said. “Not just because of the goals. You can see in a few moments that it is not the same anymore as playing in the age groups last season. Now he can feel what he has to change — but this is what we want, playing against these teams and qualities, physicalities.”

Reiss was careful to temper expectations while acknowledging the ceiling. “On the one hand you can feel he has to improve a lot of things, of course, because he is young, but the potential is definitely high,” he added.

The victory at Mansfield was more competitive than the scoreline suggests — City did not have it all their own way — but the result gave the Under-21s a strong start to their Vertu Trophy campaign. The Under-18s had already begun their season with a 2-1 win over Liverpool in their title defence.

Beyond Parker, City are expected to allow further academy players to depart on loan before the transfer window closes. The club this week confirmed that midfielder Charlie Gray has joined League One side Wigan Athletic on a season-long loan.