Manchester United take highly-rated defender on trial: report

Manchester United have taken a promising Irish defender on trial at Carrington this week, looking to add to the growing list of youth players signed by INEOS.

After parting ways with Ruben Amorim, Manchester United have won both of their games under new manager and former player Michael Carrick.

The Red Devils’ latest victory came against Arsenal in a 3-2 thriller at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, that ended with a Matheus Cunha screamer in the 87th minute.

Manchester United take teenager on trial

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Ikechimka Manjor, known as Ike Manjor, featured in an U18’s training video posted by a former Ireland international whose son also plays in the squad.

Now, it has been claimed by Rep of Ireland Player Tracker on X that Manjor, who signed his first professional deal with Cork City last year, is on trial at Carrington this week.

The claim was then seemingly confirmed by a retweet from Manchester United youth expert Nathan Salt.

The Irish defender’s signature is highly sought after, with the same X account revealing that Manjor also visited Tottenham Hotspur and is attracting attention from multiple ‘top’ clubs in the Premier League and across Europe.

The 16-year-old centre-back moved from the Treaty Academy to Cork City in 2025 and is rated highly as one of the best prospects in his age group.

Manjor turns 17 in February, meaning that Manchester United would be unable to sign him until 2027, but a pre-agreement is possible depending on the trial’s outcome.

The defender would join an expanding list of youth talent at Manchester United, including Chido Obi and Charlie Hardy.

Those signings came after INEOS took control of footballing operations in 2024 following investment from Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Since then, it has been a turbulent few years for Manchester United, finishing 15th in the Premier League last season and losing 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.

The Red Devils are back in league action this weekend, taking on Fulham at Old Trafford.