Manchester United brought two players in during the January transfer window, signing Ayden Heaven from Arsenal and Patrick Dorgu from Lecce. However, Ruben Amoirm’s side were very close to a third addition and almost brought Mathys Tel to the club from Bayern Munich.
The winger ended up joining Tottenham Hotspur on loan until the end of the season with a buy option reported to be £50m plus various bonuses and five months of salary. However, according to David Ornstein, the Frenchman was also of interest to the Red Devils, and they reportedly held talks with his representatives.
Sadly for United, the deal did not get over the line. Tel could have joined the plethora of young talent on the books at Old Trafford, including a certain Chido Obi-Martin, who is very highly rated.
Chido Obi-Martin's Man United career so far
United manager Amorim teased fans about a potential debut for highly rated striker Obi-Martin before the end of the season. When quizzed on the youngster, he explained he is “doing his job” in the academy, and said he would “see at the end of the season” if he will play for the first team, hinting at a debut.
The 17-year-old Dane has been sensational for the Red Devils academy sides this season. He has played 11 times so far this term, scoring nine goals and grabbing two assists in that time. That includes four goals in just two FA Youth Cup games.
Obi-Martin has got an extraordinary record in the U18s Premier League, for both United and his former club Arsenal. He has played just 26 games in the competition but has 37 goals to his name in that time.
1. Chido Obi-Martin
37
2. Ellis Simms
36
3. Folarin Balogun
34
3= Reo Griffiths
34
5. Oakley Cannonier
32
The Denmark U18 international is a player with high potential and is already showing excellent quality. He might well be in line for a professional debut if his form continues, just as Amorim alluded to.
However, there could be an even more exciting talent waiting in the wings, who might make United glad they never bought Tel.
Man United's most exciting talent at Carrington
Red Devils fans can certainly get excited about young talent Shea Lacey, who is someone compared to a rival player. In the past, some have compared his style of play and size to Phil Foden, and it is hard to deny they look like similar players when you watch them.
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Not only are they both left-footed right-wingers, but the pair look similar when they have the ball at their feet. They both have a low centre of gravity, ride tackles with ease and like to cut inside on their stronger foot.
Sadly for Lacey, injuries have affected his short career so far. Last season was particularly tough for him, and the youngster missed 162 days and 15 games due to a reported torn thigh muscle.
However, when he is fit and firing, the Liverpool-born winger has impressed. So far, he has played 28 games for United U18s and United U19s in the UEFA Youth League and has five goals and seven assists to his name.
One of his best performances in a United shirt to date came in the UEFA Youth League, against Lithuanian outfit FK Zalgiris U19s in a 6-0 win. Lacey made a 22-minute cameo, and, as per Sofascore, created two chances, completed four dribbles and grabbed one assist in that time.
Mins played
22
Touches
38
Pass accuracy
100%
Passes completed
24/24
Chances created
2
Dribbles completed
4/5
Ground duels won
5/7
Assists
1
Talents like Lacey are a rare find. Perhaps missing out on Tel was a good thing for United. If they had another winger in the squad, just a few years older, he might become the priority and block the youngster’s path to the first team.
The 17-year-old could well be a better talent than Obi-Martin, and that is saying something given the striker’s ability. He has the difference to transform a game with a moment of magic, and that is an exciting prospect for Red Devils fans.
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