## Focus on Emerging Talent: Maxi Oyedele’s Summer Opportunity
As Erik ten Hag guides Manchester United through their pre-season preparations in the United States, his focus should be drawn to one often overlooked but promising starlet. The pre-season has already seen United engage in two matches against Rosenborg and Rangers, providing a platform for academy graduates to showcase their abilities and earn a place on the tour to America.
Among the young talents, Radek Vitek, Toby Collyer, and Ethan Wheatley have caught the eye with their performances. The fans are also eager to see more of Harry Amass. However, another academy player, Maxi Oyedele, stands out as a potential candidate to secure first-team opportunities next season.
Maxi Oyedele has been one of the most impressive players in the pre-season campaign so far. His standout moment came when he delivered a precise through ball to Joe Hugill, resulting in the second goal against Rangers. What made this play remarkable was Oyedele’s ability to evade the pressing defense of the Scottish side before delivering a perfectly timed pass behind the backline, demonstrating his vision and composure under pressure.
Despite facing challenges during loan spells last season, Oyedele possesses a profile and determination that could influence Ten Hag’s squad decisions. His resilience and performance in pre-season could earn him a spot in the touring squad, giving him a chance to further prove his worth.
Oyedele’s recent Instagram post following the victory over Rangers, albeit uncaptioned, received a supportive comment from his academy teammate Kobbie Mainoo, who simply wrote, “That time.” This camaraderie and mutual support between the young midfielders reflect their close working relationship in the academy. Mainoo’s rise to the first team serves as a source of motivation for Oyedele, who draws inspiration from seeing his peers succeed.
In a club media interview, Oyedele expressed his admiration for academy graduates like Kobbie and Alejandro Garnacho, who have made the transition to the first team. He highlighted how playing alongside them at the youth level fuels his ambition. “You look at, like, Kobbie and Garna. Two lads breaking through from the academy, playing with them at youth cup level,” he shared. “So, yeah, it’s great to see, and it’s a motivation for us. So, opportunities like this are great, and, yeah, hope for more.”
As Manchester United continues their pre-season journey, Erik ten Hag’s consideration of players like Maxi Oyedele could shape the future of the club. Oyedele’s performances and determination to seize opportunities highlight his potential to become a valuable asset for the first team, making him a player to watch as the new season approaches.