"He was doing things adults couldn’t do on the pitch in terms of reading and understanding the game," Stephen Rutherford, Hebburn Town’s Director of Football, told MEN Sport back in March when asked about Shola Shoretire.
Rutherford played a part in Shoretire's early development in the North East and since making the switch to the North West to sign for Manchester United, the youngster certainly hasn't looked back, going from strength to strength in the academy.
United have a rich history of offering opportunities to the talent that emerges from the club's academy and Shoretire made his first-team debut back in February against Newcastle, before playing against Real Sociedad in the Europa League four days later.
When Shoetire came on as the final substitute against Sociedad at Old Trafford on that occasion, he made United history by becoming the youngest player to appear for the club in European competition — he was. incredibly. just 17 years and 23 days old.
Since then, Shoretire continued to quietly excel in the Premier League 2 and it's important to remember that's a Under-23s league, which pays testament to the forward's quality and sheer ability which allows him to confidently contest with players years his senior.
Shoretire has 10 goals and five assists from 21 appearances in the Premier League 2 this term and he was subsequently named United's Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year for his displays, following in the footsteps of Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford.
His talent is obvious and the challenge for Shoretire now is to take the next step and, while that's easier said than done, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has already shown plenty of trust in academy graduates than his predecessors and it seems he will be given his chance.
United are approaching the new season with the strongest side they've had since Sir Alex Ferguson 's retirement, but the legendary former boss always knew the importance of academy products, using them expertly around the first team to accelerate their progress.
Would you give Shoretire first-team opportunities? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Solskjaer rewarded Shoretire with a permanent role in United's first team back two months ago and he seems set to be consistently involved in United's upcoming campaign especially in the cup competitions, which is a thought to savour for returning fans at Old Trafford.
Shoretire has regularly shone at Leigh Sports Village when providing United's U23s with moments of inspiration, flair and individual brilliance and it would be no surprise to see him effortlessly make the transition just like the honour roll of academy graduates before him.
He seems special and it's going to be an exciting season ahead.
