Amir Ibragimov’s journey to signing his first professional contract with Manchester United has captured the attention of everyone at Old Trafford. Originally from Dagestan, Russia, the 17-year-old forward relocated to England at 11 and soon found his way to Manchester United’s academy. There, he impressed youth coaches with his powerful shots, tight dribbling, and cool decision-making.
He’s already made an impression on fans. Some remember how, as an under-15 player, he once won a penalty but placed the ball gently into the goalkeeper’s arms to show sportsmanship. Now, the same boy who made that thoughtful gesture has committed his future to one of the biggest clubs in world football.
A hard-earned milestone
“Happy to sign my first professional contract at Man United, nothing changes, the hard work goes on,” Ibragimov said in a short statement on social media. It’s a message that speaks volumes about a grounded teenager who is laser-focused on improvement. Fabrizio Romano confirmed the signing, noting that the club rates him “highly internally among talents for the future.”
Raducio King, a coach familiar with Ibragimov’s potential, once remarked, “His never-give-in mentality is what impresses me the most. There aren’t many I’ve seen that can run like him. I could see him playing as a No 10, like a Wayne Rooney role, driving forward, switching balls, tackling, attacking, you name it.”
Despite the praise, Ibragimov seems determined to keep both feet on the ground. For him, this new contract is not a finish line but a checkpoint in a lifelong pursuit of excellence. Many at the club believe his quiet confidence and strong work ethic set him apart from other prospects. Coaches also highlight his habit of tracking back and chasing lost causes, a skill rarely seen in young forwards.
He’s been training with older age groups and even had opportunities to join first-team sessions. While fans will have to wait before he makes a competitive debut at senior level, there’s little doubt he’s on the right path. For a family with deep ties to combat sports—his older brother is an MMA fighter—the drive to excel seems ingrained.
Ibragimov’s new contract might be the first big step, but it won’t be his last. As he put it himself: “Nothing changes, the hard work goes on.”
