​Manchester United have unveiled their roster of new academy scholars for the 2026/27 season, confirming a group of 15 players who signed scholar terms this week following their signing day last week. During the ceremony, each player was presented with a club blazer and a United shirt bearing their name. As these youngsters transition into the U18s setup, academy supporters will be keen to discover who among them could emerge as the next generation of United stars. Here, we take a closer look at what to expect from United’s latest scholar intake.
Ford stands tall as a commanding presence between the posts. He is renowned for his shot-stopping prowess and his comfort with the ball at his feet, even having stepped into a striker role for his school side on occasion. Ford is the only goalkeeper in the group, and while he has often been second choice behind Darlington Osuchukwu in recent years, Osuchukwu’s anticipated move to Spain this summer has opened a door for Ford to challenge for a place in the U18s. Don’t expect him to feature heavily immediately, though, as he will be competing with last season’s signing Charlie Hardy for minutes.
O’Brien is a tireless left-back who covers every inch of ground along the flank. At United since he was eight years old, he made his U18s debut last season, coming on as a substitute in a 1-2 defeat to Sunderland. He is set to face stiff competition for a starting berth, and he is expected to deputise for England youth international Jacob Watson throughout the campaign.
Emsden-James is a name familiar to keen academy followers after drawing attention last summer when he sealed a move from Southampton for a reported £1 million fee. A composed defender who thrives on the ball and under pressure, he has drawn comparisons to United legend Rio Ferdinand in style. Although the youngest member of the group, he quickly assumed a leadership role, sharing captaincy duties with Jacey Carrick during the season. The defender had previously made his U18s debut for Southampton at U15 level and added three more appearances for United in the U18 ranks last season. His growing reputation is reinforced by international experience, having been capped for England at the U17 level, including a starting berth in a 5-2 victory over the USA.
Fabiyi announced himself with standout displays at last summer’s SuperCupNI, hinting at his potential before an injury curtailed his participation in the tournament final and much of the 2025/26 season. The left-footed centre-back remains a key asset, having joined United at U9 level. While he has yet to feature for England or Nigeria at the senior international stage, his dual eligibility adds to his appeal as a potential future star. Fabiyi has the physical presence and technical readiness that could see him push into higher levels in the coming years.
Gazik, one of the more intriguing names in the new intake, is described by teammates as a robust central defender with a strong physical profile. He is the younger brother of U21s talent Amir Ibragimov and the older brother of United’s U15s striker Mo Ibragimov. A prodigy who moved to England from Russia at a young age, Gazik has developed through spells at other clubs prior to arriving at United, where his potential has been recognized for his ball-playing capabilities and defensive nouse. His familial football lineage and his development path add a notable storyline to his progression at United.
As the 2026/27 season approaches, this cohort represents a fresh wave of talent poised to push for opportunities with the U18s and, eventually, the pathway toward senior football. Each player brings a unique blend of attributes—from shot-stopping and aerial strength to tireless work rate on the flanks and ball-playing confidence at the back. With competition set to be fierce across the squad, supporters will be watching closely to see who rises to the forefront and begins to carve out a definitive role in United’s long-term plans.