Manchester United are blessed with an exciting crop of young talents looking to make their mark in 2023.
One of these is young winger Malachi Sharpe, who made great progress in 2021, but not as much in 2022. This new year provides a fresh start…
Who is Malachi Sharpe?
Malachi Sharpe was one of three young players Manchester United signed from Derby County’s academy in 2021.
He was just 15 at the time, and while he went straight into the club’s under-16 squad, he has since featured for the under-18s.
Sharpe is the first cousin of former Manchester United and England defender Viv Anderson and had been at Derby since he was nine.
He made his debut for United’s under-18 side in August 2021, before getting on the scoresheet in a Premier League Cup clash with Birmingham, in which Alejandro Garnacho scored a hat-trick.
There were not any further chances for Sharpe in 2022, however, although he did make the bench for the FA Youth Cup quarter-final win over Leicester.
Turning 17 at the end of November, Sharpe will be keen to push on. He is a tricky winger who likes to run with the ball and make an impact in the final third.
He signed a new deal in December 2022, showing United still holds him in high regard and has big plans for him.
Malachi Sharpe background
He has been in demand at the youth level, called up to represent Scotland’s under-17 side, which he qualifies for through his grandmother.
Sharpe is also eligible to play international football for both England and Jamaica.
His dad Del Sharpe explained how Marcus Rashford is an inspiration to the young winger. He told Nottingham Sport: “His idols have been Cristiano Ronaldo, and more recently, Marcus Rashford.
“Marcus though, he’s done a lot for the community, and for children in general, and that really resonated with Malachi. That and Marcus sent a personal, welcome message when Malachi signed for the club.”
Outlook for 2023
2022 did not provide as many opportunities for Sharpe as he may have wanted at the under-18 level, after his promising 2021.
The reasons for this are unclear, whether it be an injury, or simply United’s bio-banding strategy, to categorize players by physical traits rather than simply age.
Either way, 2023 is going to be an important year for Sharpe. He will need to show signs of progress and start making an impact at the under-18 level. He has already shown himself capable of doing so.
Malachi Sharpe background
He has been in demand at the youth level, called up to represent Scotland’s under-17 side, which he qualifies for through his grandmother.
Sharpe is also eligible to play international football for both England and Jamaica.
His dad Del Sharpe explained how Marcus Rashford is an inspiration to the young winger. He told Nottingham Sport: “His idols have been Cristiano Ronaldo, and more recently, Marcus Rashford.
“Marcus though, he’s done a lot for the community, and for children in general, and that really resonated with Malachi. That and Marcus sent a personal, welcome message when Malachi signed for the club.”
Outlook for 2023
2022 did not provide as many opportunities for Sharpe as he may have wanted at the under-18 level, after his promising 2021.
The reasons for this are unclear, whether it be an injury, or simply United’s bio-banding strategy, to categorize players by physical traits rather than simply age.
Either way, 2023 is going to be an important year for Sharpe. He will need to show signs of progress and start making an impact at the under-18 level. He has already shown himself capable of doing so.
Player information
Name in full: Malachi Sharpe
Scottish nationality
born on November 20, 2006
Age: 17
birthplace and nation: Nottingham, England
Placement: Winger
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