Man United signing this highly-rated Dutch league teenage ace would be a shrewd long-term invetsment

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Sourav Ghosh

Why Ryan Gravenberch will be a good signing for Manchester United

According to Mirror (h/t ESPN), Manchester United have entered the race to sign Ryan Gravenberch. The highly-rated Ajax starlet has attracted the attention of various big clubs with his performances. Teams like Barcelona, Juventus and Liverpool are already keeping an eye on him.

Profile

Ryan Gravenberch is an 18-year-old Dutch midfielder who plays for Eredivisie side Ajax. He started out his youth career at AVV Zeeburgia before moving to Ajax’s youth setup in 2010. The midfielder spent the next few years progressing through the ranks.

In 2017, he was promoted to the U-17s and was quite prolific in the 21 games he played for them, scoring 11 goals. After a brief spell in the U-19s, he was again promoted to the U-21s. It was here that he enjoyed his best numbers in front of goal.

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Ajax Amsterdam’s Ryan Gravenberch (R) celebrates after scoring a goal during the Dutch Eredivisie football match Ajax Amsterdam vs Sparta Rotterdam in Amsterdam, on January 19, 2020. (Photo by MAURICE VAN STEEN/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)

He played a total of 44 games while scoring 8 goals and providing 13 assists (source – Transfermarkt). His good form meant that he was promoted to the senior team last season. So far, he has made 20 appearances, contributing to 7 goals.

A regular part of the Netherlands youth teams, he is currently a part of the U-21s with 4 appearances and one goal.

Why Manchester United need to sign Gravenberch

Manchester United being linked to a young player with bags of potential is no new thing. Gravenberch is another such case. The Red Devils have a good history of scouting the best young talents for their academy or even the first-team. They are never shy of splashing the cash on these players.

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AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – OCTOBER 21: Ryan Gravenberch of Ajax runs with the ball under pressure from Georginio Wijnaldum of Liverpool during the UEFA Champions League Group D stage match between Ajax Amsterdam and Liverpool FC at Johan Cruijff Arena on October 21, 2020 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

At just 18 years of age, he has broken into the Ajax senior side. This speaks volumes about his potential. He fits the profile of players Manchester United have always looked to bring to the club. United would be probably one of the best places for his continued development given that the club is known for nurturing youngsters.

Capable of playing as a central or defensive midfielder, Gravenberch would be a fine addition to the club. While the first-team might be a bit crowded in that department right now, a couple of years in the academy and reserve teams wouldn’t be a bad option.

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In a few years time, he would be ready for first-team action but Manchester united need to secure his signature soon.