Noam Emeran: The Rwandan prodigy taking Man Utd preseason by storm
Thursday, July 13, 2023
Rwandan wonderkid Noam Emeran celebrates with his teammates. He was on target for Manchester United as they beat Leeds United 2-0 on Wednesday, July 12 in a preseason friendly. Courtesy

The name Noam Emeran needs no introduction in the world of football anymore thanks to his current plaudits in the colours of English Premier League side Manchester United, one of the most popular clubs in the world.

The 20-year-old’s talent has never been in doubt. He is a genius with the world at his feet and a very keen Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag could be tempted to permanently promote him in the first team should he continue to have quite an impressive preseason.

ALSO READ: Rwanda’s Emeran scores as Man United beat Leeds in preseason friendly

Emeran is walking in the footsteps of his father, Fritz Nkusi, who played at a good level in France and Belgium representing topflight teams such as La Louviere, Genk and Rennes among others.

Nkusi was born in Les Abymes in the French overseas colony of Guadeloupe. He was eligible to play for France but, after marrying a Rwandan wife, he gained Rwandan citizenship thanks to which he played for the country. He made six appearances in Amavubi between 2005 and 2007.

Born in the French city of Paray-le- Monial, Noam Emeran&039;s brilliance was spotted at a tender age when he featured for Entente Sannois in the Championnat National 3 before moving to Ligue 2 side Amiens.

His talent caught the attention of former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who eventually signed him on February 15, 2019 for a fee of €2 million rising up to €5 million based on add ons.

His transfer to Manchester United is a club record by a French team as no teenager of his age has ever been bought by that amount.

Emeran started his Manchester United career brightly and was likened to their former star Cristiano Ronaldo.

His artistry, goal scoring prowess and his pace was akin to the Portuguese skipper.

After a brilliant start to his United career, Emeran sustained a career threatening injury and had to spend over six months on the sidelines during the 2021/22 season.

The 2022/23 season also saw him sidelined through injury and missed a couple of games with the U21 team in the Premier League 2.

He stayed out for some months and, on his return to full recovery, he was on fire. In 12 appearances, he scored four goals with two of them being shortlisted in the Manchester United goal of the month award in February and April respectively.

ALSO READ: Emeran's strike shortlisted for Man United’s goal of the month prize

In Emeran, the world awaits a star who can flourish if he goes injury free.

The wonder kid on Wednesday, July 12, made headlines on his first competitive debut for the Red Devils when he netted the opening goal in the club’s 2-0 win over Leeds United in a preseason friendly.

The youngster hugely impressed Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag and he could be offered a permanent place in the senior team for the 2023/24 campaign if he continues to flourish in the preseason.

Rwandan youngster Noam Emeran who plays for Manchester United. File