The Ireland U17s are through to the knockout stages of the World Cup after topping their group on their maiden appearance in the competition.
Victories over Panama and Uzbekistan, coupled with a stalemate against Paraguay on the final day, saw Ireland finish on seven points and secure a last-32 meeting with Canada on Friday.
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It’s a remarkable achievement for Colin O’Brien’s young team on their first World Cup voyage, and plenty of players on the team will return from Qatar with their reputations greatly enhanced.
To the surprise of nobody in Irish football, Michael Noonan has been one of the standout stars, and the Shamrock Rovers youngster’s performances at the World Cup have reportedly piqued the interest of one of the world’s biggest clubs.
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Manchester United reportedly interested in Michael Noonan
5 November 2025; Michael Noonan of Republic of Ireland, left, celebrates with teammate Ramon Martos after scoring his side’s third goal during the FIFA Under-17 World Cup Group J match between Panama and Republic of Ireland at Aspire Zone in Doha, Qatar. Photo by Nikola Krstic/Sportsfile
Reports in the UK suggest that Manchester United are monitoring Shamrock Rovers’ 17-year-old sensation Michael Noonan.
A double winner in his first year with the Hoops, Noonan has been exceptional for Ireland at the U17 World Cup, and United seem to have ramped up their previously-reported interest.
United site United in Focus report that the club are monitoring both Noonan and his Ireland teammate Vinnie Leonard of Dundalk – “particularly” Noonan.
The report suggests that United have long maintained an interest in the young striker, though any potential move would not be possible until next summer. Due to Brexit, Irish players cannot sign for UK-based clubs until they turn 18 – which Noonan will on July 31st next year.
Should United seriously pursue Noonan, they could replicate the approach followed by Spurs with Mason Melia and Arsenal with Victor Ozhianvuna and sign the teenager on a pre-contract agreement. Indeed, the United in Focus report suggests that Ruben Amorim’s side expressed an interest in Ozhianvuna before being pipped to the post by Arsenal.
A move to Manchester United would be a remarkable step for Michael Noonan, who has announced himself as a future star this season.
Noonan joined Shamrock Rovers from St. Patrick’s Athletic last winter. In his first senior game for Rovers, he scored away from home in a Conference League playoff against Molde, to become the youngest player ever to score in an elite European competition.
He has gone from strength to strength since then, scoring nine goals in total this season, including two in the FAI Cup, as Rovers claimed their first double in 38 years.
Noonan has been the standout star for Ireland at the U17 World Cup thus far, scoring in the wins against both Panama and Uzbekistan.
If they are to progress to the last 16, Ireland may yet need more goals from the in-demand youngster.
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