Shola Shoretire wins Johan Cruyff Award

One of Manchester United’s youngest ever players is celebrating receiving a prestigious award.

There are no guarantees a young player will break through at Manchester United, even if they tick every single box in their development.

Shola Shoretire made his UEFA Youth League debut when he was only 14, back in 2018. And he had made his under-21s debut at only 16.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer called Shoretire up to make his first team debut at 17, becoming one of the club’s youngest ever debutants.

United awarded Shoretire the coveted Jimmy Murphy Award in 2022 for recognition of his performances.

But there were no more chances under Erik ten Hag, and Shoretire was allowed to leave the club on a free transfer.

He looked to relaunch his career in Greece, and is currently on loan in the Netherlands.

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Shola Shoretire wins Johan Cruyff Award

Shola Shoretire signed on loan with PEC Zwolle this season after a mixed spell with PAOK, where he scored four goals in 28 games.

The move to the Eredivisie has given him more starting opportunities and he is making the most of them at present.

Shoretire has six goals in 20 domestic games, with four goals in his last three matches.

His outstanding form has seen him honoured with the Johan Cruyff Talent of the Month Award, a prize the league introduced in 2017.

Shoretire told ESPN: “It was a really nice surprise for me this morning. It’s a fantastic prize to win, and I’m very proud of myself.”

He credited the winter break for helping him reset and enjoy a successful start to 2026, commenting: “It’s nice to switch off for a bit, reflect on the first few months, and set goals for the rest of the season.

“That was staying fit and playing with confidence, and that’s going well so far.”

Shoretire, 22, has been playing as a winger and he has been thriving for his team, who rank ninth in the Eredivisie.

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Shoretire reflects on United award win

After being presented with his latest award, Shoretire was reminded that he has previously won a big honour at Manchester United.

He responded to say that he was proud of the achievement but he prefers not to look backwards in his career.

Shoretire said: “I’d almost forgotten about that, to be honest. It was a long time ago. If you always think about it, I think it affects the present.

“I came here to enjoy football with a clean slate and just play.”

Shoretire actually played against United in the Europa League last season as a late substitute for PAOK.

He is currently playing catch-up in his career after being an early breakthrough star at every level, he is now a late bloomer in the first team ranks.

Shoretire’s talent is blossoming in the Netherlands right now, and you can only wonder what might have happened if United had arranged him an Eredivisie loan earlier in his career.

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