The Russia national football team has announced an expanded squad for upcoming friendlies against Egypt, Burkina Faso, and Trinidad and Tobago. Among the 36 players is a promising talent from Manchester United: 18-year-old Amir Ibragimov, who receives his first senior call-up.
Born in Dagestan, Ibragimov moved to England at age 11 and has risen through the ranks at Old Trafford. Manchester media reports he has yet to respond to the invitation.
Russia had previously hinted at monitoring the youngster. In January, coach Valeri Karpin told *RB Sport*: “I’ve heard of Amir Ibragimov but haven’t followed his games. Do you expect me to track 17-year-olds? That’s for youth coaches. We’re open to any player eligible for Russia.”
Earlier in March, the Russian Football Union released a video featuring Karpin, subtly hinting at a generational link among overseas-based players. The clip showed a card of Andrei Kanchelskis during his Manchester United days, leaving a second card closed—a clear nod to Ibragimov.
On the day of Ibragimov’s call-up, the Russian team’s social media reposted that moment as a GIF.
Former United star Andrei Kanchelskis commented to *Sport-Express*: “Let’s see what he’s made of before judging. We had Pinyayev go to Man United too, but he’s still at Lokomotiv. Amir is captain of the youth team, but that’s not the benchmark. If he becomes captain of the first team, then we can talk. I’d be happy if he succeeds at United and for Russia. Best of luck to him.”
Ibragimov scored in the U-18 Premier League but spent most of 2026 recovering from injury. He signed his first professional contract with United in spring 2025. At 15, he trained with the first team under Erik ten Hag, and from summer 2025 featured in the U-18 league, scoring in his first three games and adding an assist. However, a broken foot sidelined him for over five months, delaying his first-team debut.
Upon returning in late April 2026, Ibragimov provided an assist against Liverpool and played against Newcastle and Stoke City. Last season he recorded 8 goals and 6 assists in 22 matches; this season he has 3 goals and 2 assists in 11 appearances. United sits second in the league, four points behind Manchester City.
Originally a left winger, Ibragimov is transitioning to central midfield. His playing style has drawn comparisons to Wayne Rooney, while his mentality has been likened to Bryan Robson. Youth coach Darren Fletcher noted: “He has grown as a leader. He sets high standards for himself and his teammates.”
Ibragimov once played for England’s U-15 and U-16 teams, scoring a winner against Italy. In October 2025, rumors surfaced about him switching his sporting nationality to Russia, though sports lawyer Mikhail Prokopets dismissed the evidence as speculative.
Six months later, Ibragimov has been called up. To officially cap him, Russia needs competitive matches, but with ongoing suspension, these friendlies are a symbolic gesture of intent. However, *Manchester Evening News* reports Ibragimov has not yet decided whether to accept the call-up.
The matches are scheduled: Russia vs. Egypt on May 28 in Cairo, vs. Burkina Faso on June 5 in Volgograd, and vs. Trinidad and Tobago on June 9 in Kaliningrad.
