Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown has no doubts about the ability and potential of Shola Shoretire.

The 18 year-old midfielder has long enjoyed an exciting reputation, however he has disappeared off the first team map during 2022.

Despite his progress appearing to stall, Brown is adamant Shoretire can make it as a Manchester United player. Indeed, he insists it will only be a matter of time before United fans see the Geordie back in the first team.

Brown told Tribalfootball.com on behalf of Bet365: "Shola's a top-end quality player. That's the best way to put it. He's on the ball, he's clever. When you come from youth level and start playing against grown men, that's where the gap is, and you have to be able to stay with it.

"I'm pretty sure as Shola carries on, he will get opportunities to play and show what he's all about. He's very tidy, he can create, I've watched him many times at youth level, and he dominates, so you just hope the manager gives him that chance."

Brown, however, admits Shoretire is now entering a crucial "phase" in his career development.

He added: "People always say to me, 'he's playing so well, he's 18, he's 19'. For some it takes until the age of 21 or 22. You just hope that when he does get his opportunity, he takes it as he has got that ability to wow people.

"From the ages of 17-19, the coaches are looking whether you can do it against grown men. That's the main difference. Hopefully, he can take what he's doing now into that next phase and get his feet in the door."