Man Utd announce January transfer window exit as player agrees loan move

Manchester United forward Shola Shoretire has joined Bolton Wanderers on loan for the rest of the season.

The 18-year-old is set to play a key role for the Lancashire club, as they push for promotion in League One.

Ian Evatt's men are currently fifth in the league and take on Derby County, who sit on exactly the same amount of points, in a crunch match this Saturday.

It remains unclear whether Shoretire will feature in the match, but experience of regular first team football should be invaluable for the Englishman.

Interestingly, Shoretire has already had a taste of the Wanderers, playing against them in the Papa Johns Trophy recently. The young United side fell short in the end and were knocked out of the competition after a 4-0 loss.

Speaking after his move was confirmed, Shoretire said he hoped to help Bolton achieve promotion this season.

"For me the club belongs in the Premier League and hopefully next season the Championship," he said.

"They're in a very good position right now to go for promotion. The team has been winning a lot. I have been keeping track and it’s just made me more excited to get here.

"I want to help the team continue to win and do as much as I possibly can to help with that."

Who is Shola Shoretire?

Shoretire was handed the 2020/21 Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award after scoring 10 goals in 21 appearances for the U23 side.

He has five goals in ten matches for the youth team so far this season, demonstrating his ability in front of goal.

Ten Hag will no doubt be keeping an eye on his progress with the 52-year-old seemingly hunting a long term striker to replace Wout Weghorst.

How many times has he played for Manchester United?

His form earned him a call up to the Red Devils' first team against Newcastle United in 2021 and the England U19 squad.

Ten Hag has also selected him on the bench in several games this season, with the Dutchman clearly an admirer of the youngster.

He was a substitute for the Premier League loss at Aston Villa in November and the Carabao Cup victory against the same side soon afterwards.

Shoretire has also played in both of United's two friendlies against Real Betis and Cadiz during winter break for the World Cup.