Manchester United’s season thus far has been summed up by a dull 1-0 victory over Luton Town, which precedes the international break.
The pressure will lessen somewhat for Erik ten Hag, but unless things significantly improve by Christmas, his job may still be in jeopardy.
The Dutchman might try to add one or two players to his team during the upcoming January transfer window.
Jayden Addai, a transfer from Man United
Football Transfers reports that during the U19 team’s most recent Youth League matchup against Molde FK, young Jayden Addai of AZ Alkmaar was observed by scouts from Old Trafford.
The young player has been drawing a lot of attention for his exploits with the AZ minor teams lately, and although though he hasn’t played for the senior team yet, his debut will undoubtedly come soon.
Ten Hag seems to be making use of his understanding of Dutch football, and in the upcoming months, United might extend a more substantial offer to the 18-year-old.
Since taking over at the club in 2022, the former Ajax manager has shown faith in a number of young players, most notably Alejandro Garnacho.
Garnacho’s career statistics with United
Under Ten Hag’s direction, the Argentine has made 49 appearances for the Red Devils and established himself as a mainstay in the starting lineup. During that time, he has also scored six goals.
The former Atletico Madrid prospect made his debut in the 2021–2022 season after excelling for the Manchester youth teams, scoring 23 goals in 54 games.
Although he hasn’t quite delivered outstanding performances on a regular basis this term, the youthful player is prone to random epiphanies.
But with the young Arizona phenomenon, could Ten Hag sign a better player than Garnacho? Coach Pascal Jansen gave the right-winger high marks, saying, “He’s a good player, so I hope he shows up in 30-plus games in the KKD.” I’m hoping he can make an impression there.
Jayden Addai – Eerste Divisie 23/24:
☑️9 games
☑️8 goals
☑️1 assist
☑️2 penalties won
☑️G/A every 57 minutes
☑️1.4 key passes per 90
☑️2 big chances created
☑️3.8 successful dribbles per 9018 years of age. A superb season so far for one of the biggest UYL 22/23 stars. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/24xLfQmMU9
— Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) October 24, 2023
The playing style of Jayden Addai
The adolescent gained notoriety for the first time last year when he participated in eight matches in the UEFA Youth League, scoring four goals as AZ defeated Hajduk Split 5-0 to win the championship.
Addai continued this momentum into the current season, and in just 13 games, he has already recorded 14 goal contributions (10 goals and 4 assists), demonstrating his remarkable ability in the closing third of the field.
In the upcoming months, a senior debut will undoubtedly be on the line, especially given Jansen’s team’s recent struggles—they have lost all four of their games and are currently in fourth place in the Eredivisie—as they struggle mightily.
Addai’s developing potential is clearly observed by United, and a move for him could allow Ten Hag to discover a player who may be even more talented than Garnacho. In fact, according to Dutch football analyst Michael Bell, the “superstar in the making” is already in route to surpassing the Argentine’s youth season record of 14 goals scored.
Furthermore, this season, Addai has outscored every single United player—only Rasmus Hojlund has come within five goals of Addai’s total. The youthful phenomenon has already surpassed that mark.
Although he hasn’t yet shown off his skills at the senior level, the 18-year-old’s youth statistics indicate that he has a lot of potential to contribute to the Premier League.