Manchester United have announced their latest intake of academy scholars, with Nigerian-eligible defender Idris Fabiyi among the youngsters handed first-year scholarship contracts by the Premier League club.
The scholarship marks an important stage in the development of academy players in England, where Premier League regulations require footballers under the age of 17 to begin the season on scholarship terms before becoming eligible to sign professional contracts after turning 17.
Fabiyi is one of 15 players included in this year’s intake, joining a highly-rated group that also features Kai Rooney, the son of Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney, and Jacey Carrick, son of former United midfielder and coach Michael Carrick.
The defender has progressed steadily through the club’s youth system and recently represented Manchester United at the SuperCup NI youth tournament in Northern Ireland. He also helped the academy side lift the Under-15 Premier League Floodlit Cup.
As part of the next phase of their development, the scholarship group will travel to Germany for a Professional Development Phase training camp.
Although born in England, Fabiyi is eligible to represent Nigeria through his parents. He also qualifies for England, meaning he can choose either nation at international level.
While he has yet to make a decision on his international future, the youngster has maintained visible links to his Nigerian roots, following both the Nigeria Football Federation and Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen on social media.
Fabiyi will now look to continue his development at one of England’s most successful academies, which has produced several first-team stars in recent years, including Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford.
