United bring next-level defender to Carrington as INEOS plot to hijack Spurs’ move – report

Manchester United’s pursuit of securing the best young talent shows no signs of slowing down, as another excellent prospect was spotted at Carrington this week ahead of a potential move. Best in Class INEOS have re-established an emphasis on the Red Devils’ academy since taking the helm at Old Trafford – but with a global view, utilising the club’s vast scouting network to identify players from across world football. Mali under-21 international Sekou Kone was captured from Guidars FC in the summer of 2024, while a raid on Arsenal delivered the Danish striking sensation Chido Obi a few months later. Last summer, United confirmed the signings of Diego Leon from Paraguayan side Cerro Porteno and French starlet Enzo Kana-Biyik from Le Havre. This month, business has been quiet for the senior side, with INEOS expected to wait until the summer to unleash their war chest. However, this commitment to youth prospects is separate from the reticence to invest in the first team, with Cork City starlet Ikechimka Manjor currently on trial at Carrington with a view towards a permanent deal. Ireland’s Next Big Thing The 16-year-old centre-back is a highly rated prospect, who signed his first professional contract with Cork City last year. He has played for the Ireland U-17 side, though he missed out on the Green Army’s squad for the youth World Cup in November, who were making their debut as a country at the tournament. As relayed by Sports Witness, Irish journalist Conor McEvoy reports Manjor has attracted attention from “several Premier League clubs”, with an inside source revealing he recently trialled at Tottenham Hotspur. McEvoy states Manjor was “spotted in a training video” at Carrington, posted by a United U-18 player with a father who played for the Republic of Ireland – making JJ Gabriel the obvious candidate.  As per Brexit regulations, Manjor would not be able to complete a move to Old Trafford until the summer of 2027, as he does not turn 18 until February that year. However, a pre-agreement can be struck which would see the defender remain in Ireland until this point. The contract he signed last year would also entitle Cork City to some level of compensation, meaning a transfer fee will be required should Manjor’s trial at Carrington this week prove a success. Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.