Amorim has the next Pogba in “generational” Man Utd talent

Manchester United’s transfer saga with Paul Pogba perfectly sums up the business they’ve conducted within the transfer market over the last couple of seasons.

The Frenchman spent time in the club’s academy before leaving for Juventus on a free transfer in order to try and further his career with valuable minutes elsewhere.

After impressing in Italy, the Red Devils forked out a club-record £89m for his signature back in the summer of 2016, with the midfielder amassing over 225 appearances in his second spell at Old Trafford.

However, his attitude and fitness levels were often brought into question during his six years back in Manchester, before leaving on a free transfer to join the Old Lady for a second time.

Before returning to the Premier League, Pogba won the Golden Boy award – but he’s not alone in achieving such a feat, with numerous other talents doing so while plying their trade at Old Trafford.

The former United players who have won the Golden Boy award

After joining United as a youngster, there’s no surprise that Wayne Rooney claimed the prestigious award, with the attacker reaching incredible levels as a Red Devil.

He still remains as the club’s all-time record goalscorer, but it was his performances in 2004 that saw him claim the award at the tender age of just 18.

The forward made himself a key member of the England international side during such a period after netting three goals in his first nine outings for his country.

The second player to claim the U21 award was Brazilian midfielder Anderson, with the former United star claiming the trophy back in 2008 after his first season in England.

After his switch from Porto, he made 38 appearances across all competitions and cemented himself at the heart of Sir Alex Ferguson’s star-studded side.

Completing the double of the Champions League and Premier League will have no doubt helped his cause – arguably enjoying the dream debut campaign, which was topped off with the Golden Boy award.

The third and final player to achieve such a feat was Anthony Martial, with the Frenchman’s incredible start to life in Manchester a key reason for his success.

The attacker scored on his debut against Liverpool, whilst netting a double on his first start – helping him claim the Premier League’s Player of the Month award for September 2015.

However, no player for the Red Devils has since managed to win the top U21 award, but one player within the ranks looked set to be a contender, given his rise through the ranks.

The Man Utd star who’s becoming the next Pogba

Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo once looked like the future of United, but it’s safe to say his progression has stagnated since the arrival of Ruben Amorim back in November last November.

The Englishman endured a phenomenal rise in 2023/24, becoming a key member of the first-team squad and even being named in the England squad for Euro 2024.

However, he’s failed to start a single one of the club’s Premier League games in 2025/26, with the manager preferring the likes of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte ahead of him.

Mainoo even requested a loan move away from Old Trafford during the closing stages of the summer window in order to gain valuable game time to aid his progression.

The same can’t be said for centre-back Leny Yoro, with the young French star rapidly becoming one of the club’s most important players during Amorim’s tenure.

He joined the club for a reported £52m in the summer of 2024 – a huge fee for a teenager – but he’s already lived up to expectations, whilst still having a huge future to improve.

Yoro has featured in every single league game of the new season, highlighting his importance to the side, with his underlying stats highlighting his current positive impact.

The centre-back, who’s been labelled “generational” by Statman Dave, has completed 86% of the passes he’s attempted – highlighting his incredible ball-playing ability.

He’s also made an average of 1.4 tackles per 90, whilst winning 75% of the aerial battles he’s entered – arguably being the perfect all-round option at the back despite his tender age.

To further indicate his phenomenal rise at Old Trafford, Yoro was even named as a nominee for the latest Golden Boy award – matching compatriot Pogba in each aspect.

Should he continue on his current trajectory, there’s no reason why the defender can’t help lead United to new heights and lead them back to their glory days.

The sky truly is the limit for the youngster, with Yoro having the world at his feet, which could allow him to achieve anything he wants in his professional career.