Who is Amir Ibragimov? Man Utd's 16-year-old wonderkid training with the first team

Stuart Telford

• Updated: 9 Apr 2024 19:52 BST
• 7 min read

Amir Ibragimov is running the show for Man Utd's youth teams and the 16-year-old has now been training on-and-off with the first team for an entire year.

Born in the Russian Republic of Dagestan in 2008, Ibragimov moved with his family to England when he was 11, and he began his budding career in the Sheffield United youth academy before joining Man Utd's.

Ibragimov comes from a sporting family - elder brother Ibragim is an MMA fighter, while his younger sibling Gazi is also part of United's youth set-up - but few would have predicted such a rapid rise.

Ibragimov trained with United's first team at Carrington for the first time in April 2023, despite only celebrating his 15th birthday earlier that same month. So, how good is he?

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What position does Ibragimov play in?

Ibragimov is primarily a left winger, although he has also played on the right flank and at central midfield in captaining Man Utd's under-14 and under-15 sides. His future, however, may lie in the number ten role.

How good is Ibragimov?

Ibragimov is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in United's academy. After all, it's not every day a 16-year-old trains with the first team. To say that the youngster is precious would be an understatement.

The teenager has frequently played against players several years his senior and he has become a regular part of Man Utd's U21 squad this season, also still featuring for the U18s at times.

Born in Dagestan, Ibragimov remains eligible to represent Russia internationally, but he has thus far represented England, with whom he is capped up to under-15 level.

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Former Man Utd academy coach Raducio King said of Ibragimov in 2023: "I didn’t know much about him at first but could see his energy. His never-give-in mentality is what impresses me the most, if you need someone to sprint for you in the last seconds to clear the ball because there's a counter-attack, he'd be your kid."

"There aren't many I’ve seen that can run like him. I could see him playing as a No.10, like a Wayne Rooney role, driving forward, switching balls, tackling, attacking, you name it. Just making sure the team does well - he can attack and defend."

"I’ve played the game myself and I know being great at that age is good and it’s something to be proud of, however, if the end goal is reaching the first team, you have to keep yourself humble and working. I think he can get there."

"Hard work beats talent and he’s got both. He can be guided to become even more successful and we’re one big family. He was shy at first, but if he knows you, you’ll see the real Amir. He was going to be a little reserved, to begin with. He came to this country and couldn't speak the language, but his English is beautiful now, it’s really good."

What clubs are interested in Ibragimov?

Given Ibragimov's age and talent, he will no doubt be on the radar of most top clubs, but for now he will go through a scholarship at United and will be eligible to sign his first professional contract at 17.

When does Ibragimov's contract expire?

Ibragimov's current youth deal at Old Trafford runs until 30 June, 2025.

How old is Ibragimov?

Born on 2 April 2008, Ibragimov is 16.

What is Ibragimov's Instagram?

Ibragimov's Instagram can be found under the handle @amir_ibra7. He has 195k followers as of April 2024.