Habeeb Ogunneye has signed his first professional contract with Manchester United.
The right-back only turned 17 earlier this month, but he has already impressed enough for the club to tie him to official terms.
“Proud moment to have signed my first professional contract at this great club,” the youngster said on Instagram today.
“Grateful for my family and everyone who has helped me so far. The hard work continues.”
Ogunneye made his Under 18 debut when he was just 15 years old and enjoyed a strong campaign last season.
He provided two assists in nine appearances and although he has yet to feature this season, by offering him a professional contract at such a young age, United have shown their faith in him.
The London-born fullback could start his season at the end of December, when United take on Crystal Palace in the FA Youth Cup.
The Red Devils are the defending champions of the tournament and with talented youngsters like Ogunneye, they hope to put together a strong defense.
Capped three times for England at Under-17 level, Ogunneye arguably plays in an ideal position for a youngster seeking opportunities in the United first team.
Diogo Dalot lacks any form of competition at right-back, and Erik ten Hag doesn’t trust Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
The Dutchman has already trusted United’s youth academy this season by integrating Alejandro Garnacho into his plans with the first team.
For Ogunneye, that may be a step too far for the foreseeable future and his focus will likely be on continuing his development at youth level.
But if Ten Hag feels he needs a fast-attacking fullback, he’ll have one to turn to if he feels Ogunneye is ready.
