Manchester United Take Senegalese Wonderkid On Trial

Manchester United have handed a trial to highly rated teenager Etienne Mendy, as the club continues its push to secure the best emerging talents worldwide.

The 17-year-old winger, who plays for Senegalese academy side Diambars FC, is currently being assessed at Carrington after impressing scouts at international level.

United shift strategy under Ratcliffe

Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe took operational control of United in 2024, the club’s transfer policy has moved away from signing established superstars. Instead, the focus has been on recruiting prospects with elite potential. Recent additions such as Sekou Kone, Leny Yoro, Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven underline this long-term approach, and Mendy could be the next in line.

The teenager has already represented Senegal at the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, where he was highlighted as one of the brightest performers despite his side exiting in the quarter-finals. Reports suggest he is seen as one of the nation’s most exciting attacking prospects, with his dribbling ability a particular standout trait.

Why United are interested in Mendy

Mendy’s reputation has grown rapidly over the past year. Africafoot described him as “an extraordinarily effective dribbler, a very good player in the last 30 metres, and technically excellent.” They also noted that improvements in his physical strength and decision-making in wide areas could take his game to another level.

United scouts have been tracking Diambars closely, with Mendy’s emergence following that of Sidy Barhama Ndiaye, who recently joined Liverpool. His current trial offers the Old Trafford side a first-hand look at how he adapts to the demands of a Premier League environment.

Interest in Mendy has already been corroborated by multiple sources, with French outlets suggesting he is firmly on the radar of top clubs. United’s willingness to act early highlights the new emphasis on identifying and signing elite talent before their valuations escalate.

Writer’s View

Mendy’s trial fits perfectly into Manchester United’s recalibrated recruitment model. At 17, he is raw but boasts the kind of dribbling skill and attacking flair that modern wide players require. While he still needs to develop physically and refine his end product, bringing him into an elite academy setting could accelerate that growth. For United, it is another low-risk, high-upside move that could pay dividends in the years ahead if the winger can adapt to English football.