Manchester United academy defender Habeeb Ogunneye has completed a permanent move to Arsenal, ending his time at Old Trafford after progressing through the club’s youth system and gaining experience in senior football.
The 20-year-old right-back was a regular for Manchester United’s Under-18s and Under-21s during his development at the club. He made his Under-18s debut in the 2021-22 season and subsequently featured in a number of youth and development competitions.
Ogunneye played in Premier League 2, the EFL Trophy, UEFA Youth League and FA Youth Cup during his time with Manchester United. His involvement across those competitions provided him with experience against a range of opposition and helped establish him as part of the club’s academy pathway.
He was also involved in Manchester United’s success in the 2023-24 Under-18 Premier League Cup. Ogunneye started the final as the Red Devils secured victory in the competition.
His progress at academy level also brought recognition from the first team. The defender was included in several senior squads during the tenure of former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, although the club’s information on his appearances does not indicate that he made a competitive first-team debut.
Ogunneye spent the previous season on loan at Newport County, where he made 21 appearances for the League Two club. The spell represented his first significant experience of regular senior football and added to the competitive experience he had gained with Manchester United’s younger sides.
He now leaves Manchester United on a permanent basis and will continue his development at Arsenal. The move brings to an end his association with the club where he made his Under-18s debut and progressed through Under-21 football before moving into the senior game on loan.
Manchester United have wished the academy graduate well for the future following his departure. Arsenal will now provide the next stage of Ogunneye’s development after his time in the Manchester United system, his involvement in youth competitions and his loan spell with Newport County.
The defender’s record at Manchester United included appearances at several levels, from Under-18 football to Premier League 2, as well as involvement in the EFL Trophy, UEFA Youth League and FA Youth Cup. His start in the Under-18 Premier League Cup final and inclusion in first-team squads under Erik ten Hag were further milestones before he moved into senior football with Newport County.
Ogunneye’s permanent transfer to Arsenal therefore marks a new chapter for a player who developed through Manchester United’s academy, gained competitive experience with Newport County and now moves to a new club to continue his progression.