Man Utd bring Irish wonderkid on trial as club continues to boost youth ranks

Man Utd have brought in a highly-rated Ireland youth international on trial ahead of a potential transfer.

Cork City centre-back Ike Manjor is training with the under-18 squad, according to Republic of Ireland Player Tracker.

The 6ft-tall, 16-year-old defender was spotted in a training video, and reports state that multiple Premier League clubs are trying to sign him.

After signing a professional contract last year, Manjor has played one senior match in the Munster Senior Cup, the competition featuring teams from the Irish province of Munster.

Man Utd continue to build youth ranks

Man Utd has looked to improve the quality of its academy players in recent seasons, as evidenced by the signings of Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi from Arsenal, as well as the acquisition of teenage left-back Diego Leon.

The club has not been afraid of integrating young players, as Heaven has 11 Premier League appearances this season, although 10 of those were under since-sacked manager Ruben Amorim.

Obi had eight first-team appearances last season — seven in the league and one in the FA Cup — but has not played for the senior side yet this season. The 18-year-old striker has five goals in 11 Premier League 2 games with the U21 team.

The Red Devils have also made an effort to loan out academy talent.

Left-back Harry Amass was loaned to Norwich earlier this month after spending the first half of the season at Sheffield Wednesday.

Ethan Wheatley, the 20-year-old striker, is on loan at Northampton Town in League One, where he has scored three goals.

Defensive midfielder Toby Collyer is another example. He spent the first half of the season on loan at West Brom, was recalled in early January, and could join Hull City for the second half of the season.

If Manjor signs with Utd, it is likely that he will follow a similar path with the club taking its time to introduce him to regular senior football.

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