HE only stands at 5ft 4in, but Largie Ramazani is definitely living up to his name thanks to his growing reputation at Manchester United.
The speedy 18-year-old winger from Belgium has wowed academy coaches with his progress in the U23 side since signing professional terms with the Red Devils this summer.
Largie Ramazani has wowed Man Utd youth coaches with his rapid progressCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Ramazani is set to make his Man Utd debut in the Europa League against AstanaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
In fact, assistant manager Mike Phelan has personally scouted Ramazani several times, passing on his notes to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Norwegian boss recently went to see what the fuss was about for himself as United entertained Sunderland.
And he won’t have left disappointed, with the quick-footed wideman getting on the scoresheet twice in a 3-0 win.
That performance left Solskjaer purring, and he’s set to hand him a debut in United’s Europa League game against Astana on Thursday after naming him in their squad.
But who is the forward on the brink of breaking into the Reds’ first team?
A WELCOME SURPRISE
Back in July, when Ramazani signed a professional contract with the club under the watchful gaze of Nicky Butt, head of first-team development, few would’ve imagined his rapid rise.
His career began at Anderlecht, before he was brought to our shores by Charlton Athletic.
Quick-footed winger Ramazani is from BelgiumCredit: PA:Empics Sport
This season with the Under 23 Man United team Ramazani has scored nine goalsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
There, he impressed United scouts and in 2017 he joined their academy.
In truth, he got off to a slow start. In his final season at U18 level he managed just one goal in 21 starts.
However, since he’s gone up a step into Neil Wood’s Under-23 team – he hasn’t looked back.
Nine goals in 13 starts show he has an eye for goal – and has been a menace for defences.
WHAT THEY SAY
“He’s really improved,”Wood told Manchester Evening News.
“He had a really good pre-season, he’s come back and he seems to have matured his game on the pitch and he’s producing goals, he’s producing assists.
“We thought his second half compared to his first half was really good and when he’s on that kind of form you kind of see what he can do, but it’s about getting him to maintain that level.”
HIS ATTRIBUTES
Pace is a key attribute to Ramazani’s gameCredit: Rex Features
His quick feet allow Ramazani the chance to bamboozle his opponentsCredit: Rex Features
Because of his size, Ramazani is elusive, able to ghost past opponents with ease.
His quick feet, he can use both, also allow him to bamboozle his opponents in a one-on-one situation.
His preferred position in the U23 team has been playing on the right, and his explosive style has drawn comparisons with former Portuguese star Nani.
Largie isn’t short of confidence either, and is said to be a lively character in the dressing room.
Should he get some game-time against Astana in the Europa League, expect his infectious attitude to rub-off on his more senior teammates.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
