Manchester United starlet Shola Shoretire to miss out on Wembley date due to nonsensical rule

The cup-tied rule is outdated and mind-boggling as it is but that counts double for its application in the Papa John's Trophy and has proven costly for Shola Shoretire.

The Manchester United starlet's career looked as though it had stalled. Shoretire made his debut over two years ago now and became the second youngest player, only behind Angel Gomes, to represent the club. The hype around his talent exploded as a result and when he didn't immediately build upon it and become a permanent first-teamer it appeared he never would. The debut was perhaps too much too soon and hoisted an untimely limelight onto someone of such tender years.

The versatile forward wanted to leave on loan in the summer but Erik ten Hag liked what he saw and chose to keep him around to oversee his development. But when no more opportunities arrived and other youngsters overtook him in the pecking order, it was easy for Shoretire to be forgotten about.

Also read: Ten Hag gave another masterclass in the Wembley press conference room

In January, he finally got his wish and secured a loan just up the road to League One promotion hopefuls Bolton Wanderers. Brought in to replace departed fan-favourite Dapo Afolayan, even given his shirt number, there were yet more high expectations placed upon him.

But this time Shoretire has reached them. He has been a pleasant surprise to Bolton fans who had been left concerned in the wake of Afolayan's move to St. Pauli and has shown United supporters he could make it at Old Trafford yet. He has become a regular starter in Ian Evatt's side, either as a striker or attacking midfielder, and is impressing with his tight control and confidence on the ball, the way he can wriggle out of tight spaces and his keen eye for