EPL: Manchester United Pursue Nigerian Youngster Touted as the Next Haaland

Manchester United are reportedly plotting a move for Nigerian teenage sensation Oghenetejiri Adejenughure, a prolific young striker who has been compared to Manchester City’s Erling Haaland due to his goal-scoring prowess and physical attributes.

At just 18 years old, Adejenughure has been making waves in European football. Currently playing for FC Liefering, Red Bull Salzburg’s reserve team in Austria, the young forward has been showcasing his talent both in league matches and in the UEFA Youth League, where he represents Salzburg’s U19 side.

United Face Competition from European Giants

Manchester United are not the only club tracking Adejenughure’s progress. According to reports from the Daily Star (via Mirror), AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund are also closely monitoring his development. However, United are eager to avoid repeating their past mistake of missing out on Erling Haaland and are keen on signing the Nigerian starlet for a low fee before his market value skyrockets.

Adejenughure has already gained recognition beyond club football. Recently, he was invited to train with the Austrian senior national team under manager Ralf Rangnick, further highlighting his immense potential.

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Learning from the Haaland Mistake?

United’s pursuit of Adejenughure brings back memories of their missed opportunity to sign Erling Haaland when he was still an emerging talent at Molde under then-coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Solskjaer had recommended Haaland to Manchester United when the striker was available for just £4 million, but the club failed to act. That decision proved costly, as Haaland went on to become one of the most feared strikers in world football.

In a 2023 interview with The Sun, Solskjaer revealed:

“I called United about six months before I took over and told them that I’d got this striker that we had, but they didn’t listen.”

Determined not to make the same mistake, United’s scouting team has already sent representatives to watch Adejenughure in action, hoping to secure his signature before his value skyrockets.

Will Manchester United Win the Race for Adejenughure?

With AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund also in the mix, Manchester United face stiff competition for Adejenughure’s signature. Dortmund, in particular, have a strong track record of developing young strikers, having nurtured the likes of Haaland, Jadon Sancho, and Karim Adeyemi.

However, United remain hopeful that their renewed focus on youth recruitment and long-term player development will convince Adejenughure to choose Old Trafford as his next destination.

With his combination of pace, strength, and a clinical eye for goal, Adejenughure has the potential to be a future star in European football. If United manage to secure the deal, they may finally have the young goal machine they’ve been searching for.

Will Manchester United succeed in signing Oghenetejiri Adejenughure, or will history repeat itself? Stay tuned for the latest transfer updates on Soccerbaba.com!