Amir Ibragimov Explained

Amir Ibragimov (born 2 April 2008) is a footballer who plays as a forward for Manchester United. Born in Russia, he has represented England at youth international level.

Club career

Born in a Muslim Avar family in Dagestan, Russia, Ibragimov's family moved to England when he was eleven years old, and he started his career in the academy of Sheffield United.^{[1] [2]}

He later moved to Manchester United, captaining both the under-14 and under-15 sides during his progression through the academy.^[3] While playing for the Manchester United under-15 side against Tottenham in March 2022, Ibragimov won a penalty after dribbling into the Tottenham penalty area. However, as he did not believe he was fouled, he passed the resulting penalty into the Tottenham goalkeeper's hands, a gesture which garnered national attention.^[4] He signed his first contract, a pre-scholarship deal, with the club in August 2022.^{[5] [6]}

On 21 January 2023, having scored for Manchester United's under-16 team in their 1–0 win against Liverpool's under-16s, he appeared for Manchester United's under-18 team in the same day, featuring in a 3–2 win, with Liverpool being the opponents again.^{[7] [8]} In April 2023, he trained with the Manchester United first team squad for the first time.^[9]

He started for the first team in a behind-closed doors 3-1 friendly loss against Burnley in January 2024, playing as a left winger.

International career

Ibragimov is eligible to represent Russia through birth, and England, having lived in the country from the age of eleven. He made his first appearance for the England under-15s in a 3–2 win over Belgium in February 2023. He remains eligible to represent Russia.^[10]

Personal life

Ibragimov is a Muslim, and footage of him reciting the Quran at the Trafford Centre in Manchester went viral in March 2023.^{[2] [11]}

His older brother, Ibrahim, is a professional MMA fighter, while youngest brother, Mo who joined from Manchester City in Summer 2023 and younger brother Gazik, play football for Manchester United's youth teams.^[11]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Россиянин подписал контракт с "Манчестер Юнайтед". Вот как ему это удалось. The Russian signed a contract with Manchester United. Here's how he did it. Grigory. Telingater. 31 August 2022. 16 March 2023. championat.com. Russian.
2. Web site: Kisah Amir Ibragimov, Pemain Muda Berbakat Manchester United yang Mahir Baca Alquran dengan Lancar. The story of Amir Ibragimov, a talented young player at Manchester United who is good at reading the Koran fluently. Maulana. Yusuf. 15 March 2023. 16 March 2023. bola.okezone.com. Indonesian.
3. Web site: Россиянин Амир Ибрагимов забил победный гол в матче за "Манчестер Юнайтед" U15. Russian Amir Ibragimov scored the winning goal in the match for Manchester United U15. Diana. Valavichute. 18 January 2023. 16 March 2023. championat.com. Russian.
4. Web site: Man Utd starlet goes viral after unusual penalty gesture against Tottenham. Sam. Smith. 15 March 2022. 16 March 2023. express.co.uk.
5. Web site: Manchester United ward off interest to sign teenager Amir Ibragimov to new contract. 30 August 2022. 16 March 2023. metro.co.uk.
6. Web site: Manchester United sign youth prodigy Amir Ibragimov to contract. Richard. Fay. 30 August 2022. 16 March 2023. manchestereveningnews.co.uk.
7. Web site: Who is Amir Ibragimov and why are Man United fans going gaga over him? Explained. Uttiyo. Scarnage. 22 January 2023. 16 March 2023. tribuna.com.
8. Web site: Kisah Amir Ibragimov, Remaja Man United Tanding di 2 Level Usia Berbeda dalam Sehari. The story of Amir Ibragimov, Man United's Youth Compete at 2 Different Age Levels in a Day. Mochamad. Rahmatul. 25 January 2023. 16 March 2023. libero.id. Indonesian.
9. Web site: Manchester United midfielder Amir Ibragimov takes part in first-team training aged just 15. Steven. Railston. 29 April 2023. 13 September 2023. manchestereveningnews.co.uk.
10. Web site: Дагестанская звезда разрывает Англию в 15 лет! И уже прославился на весь мир геройским поступком. Dagestan star breaks England at 15! And he has already become famous throughout the world for his heroic deed.. Georgy. Ilyushchenko. 22 September 2022. 16 March 2023. sport24.ru. Russian.
11. Web site: Manchester United prodigy goes viral for Qu'ran recitation at Trafford Centre. Ramazani. Mwamba. 14 March 2023. 16 March 2023. manchestereveningnews.co.uk.