Although it appears to be a simple procedure given how easily Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho have adapted into the Manchester United first team, the majority of even the most gifted youth stars are unable to make that transition.

It appears that there is no longer any chance for another talented child who seemed destined to make that move to succeed.

Shola Shoretire, who is still only 20, has spent a considerable amount of time on the sidelines. He made his Premier League debut three seasons ago, playing a two-minute cameo against Newcastle when he was just 17 years and 14 days old. He then went on to play 12 minutes in a Europa League match against Real Sociedad, becoming the youngest player to represent United in a European competition, and 8 minutes against Wolves in the team’s final Premier League game of the season.

He played for fifteen minutes against Crystal Palace in the Premier League final and for twenty-two minutes against Young Boys in a Champions League match the following season, but his progress was gradual.

Erik ten Hag took over as United’s manager in 2022–2023, and he offered Shoretire even less opportunities than his predecessors—none, in fact. In January, the then-18-year-old was moved on loan to Bolton Wanderers, where he performed passably but not spectacularly.

For reasons best known to Ten Hag, Shoretire’s 2023–24 campaign was a complete waste as Ten Hag insisted on “personally overseeing his development” rather than giving him even a minute in the starting lineup or sending him out on loan.

Given his downward track, it is understandable why Manchester World is rumored to be planning the gifted Newcastle native’s departure.

Shoretire “looks set to depart Manchester United as a free agent despite being offered a new contract by the club,” according to reporter Rich Fay.

Although United is still hoping for a last-minute agreement, Fay adds Shoretire has been “locked in transfer talks with the club” for months and that “there is a growing expectation he will leave for free once his contract expires at the end of the week.”

To be honest, it is difficult to understand United’s desire for Shoretire to remain, unless their goal is to preserve his value. Even in a season marred by injuries, Ten Hag obviously saw no use for him, which is hardly encouraging.

Given that United ruined two of the most significant years of the gifted player’s football career, no United supporter could blame the gifted player for moving on at this point.

Shoretire can find inspiration from Angel Gomes, whose career was faltering until he made the courageous choice to leave United. Gomes’ incredible performances for Lille have made him one of Ligue 1’s emerging stars, with a market worth of €25 million.