Habeeb Ogunneye: Teenage Nigerian Talent Earns Fourth Senior Man United Call Up in Liverpool Draw

Habeeb Ogunneye: Teenage Nigerian Talent Earns Fourth Senior Man United Call Up in Liverpool Draw

Robert Abong'o
April 8, 2024 at 9:58 AM
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  • Teenager Habeeb Ogunneye was named in the Manchester United squad vs Liverpool
  • The Nigerian teenager right-back earned his fourth senior call-up with the Red Devils
  • Other teenagers in the Man United squad included Kobbie Mainoo and Willy Kamwala

Teenage Nigerian talent, Habeeb Ogunneye, was one of the teenagers in Manchester United's latest matchday squad, which took on Liverpool in the Premier League.

In a riveting clash at Old Trafford on Sunday, April 7, Ogunneye received his fourth senior call-up.

The match ended in a 2-2 draw, with several young prospects making their mark on the field.

Habeeb Ogunneye, was one of the teenagers in Manchester United's matchday squad vs Liverpool. Photo: Ash Donelon.
Manchester United teenager, Habeeb Ogunneye, was named in the matchday squad against Liverpool. Photo: Ash Donelon.
Source: Getty Images

The action commenced with Luis Díaz scoring for Jurgen Klopp's men in the 23rd minute, after a piece of remarkable athleticism to convert Darwin Núñez's pass. However, Man United swiftly responded, with captain Bruno Fernandes levelling the score in the 50th minute with an impressive long-range effort.

Kobbie Mainoo gave Erik Ten Hag's men the lead in the 70th minute, skillfully finding the net after a pass from Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Despite the advantage, Mohamed Salah secured a point for Liverpool with a penalty in the 84th minute, following a foul on Harvey Elliot by the English right-back, as reported by BBC.

Though Ogunneye did not feature in the game, his inclusion in the matchday squad marked a significant step in his career towards moving into the first team.

The opportunity arose due to injuries to several key players, including Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Jonny Evans, Tyrrell Malacia, and Luke Shaw.

Alongside Ogunneye, 19-year-old defender Willy Kambwala made an impact, impressing with his performance against Liverpool's trio of attackers. Despite being handed just his second Premier League start, Kambwala partnered effectively with Harry Maguire, earning praise from manager Ten Hag.

"We were convinced he could do the job and he has done brilliant. I am very pleased, very happy and it is another signal and message of the future of Manchester United." said the Dutch manager, as quoted by Mirror.

Teenager Kobbie Mainoo shines vs Liverpool

Sports Brief reported that Kobbie Mainoo earned widespread acclaim after his goal against Liverpool.

The young Englishman, who has been making waves since bursting onto the scene, reproduced a stunning curling effort that momentarily swung the game in favour of the Red Devils.

His strike made him the youngest-ever player to score against the Reds in the Premier League.

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Robert Abong'o
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