3
Wales boss Craig Bellamy has given his verdict on Gabriele Biancheri’s first-team chances, even as the youngster mulls over his international future.
Biancheri pushing for senior breakthrough
Biancheri has enjoyed a strong and steady rise at United since joining the club’s famed academy in 2023.
He was prolific for the youth sides last term, netting an impressive 21 goals in 35 appearances across the U18 Premier League and Premier League 2.
Biancheri trained with the United first team on a number of occasions, although his wait for a bow at senior level is still going on. However, a battle is currently underway for his international allegiance, with both Canada and Wales eager to secure his services.
The 18-year-old has already lined up for Wales’ youth teams but he is also eligible to play for Canada (through his mother) and Italy (through his father). Earlier in the summer, Canada invited him to train with their first team and spend time around the more experienced players, in an effort to convince him to join their ranks.
Biancheri played for Wales Under-21s against Denmark on Monday.
Ahead of the Wales first team’s friendly meeting with Canada on Tuesday evening, Bellamy was questioned about the United starlet and what his plans are for the player.
Bellamy praised Biancheri’s dedication, but was strangely critical of his ability, saying has a long way to go before he is ready for first-team football despite his heroics in the academy.
Bellamy’s remarks on Biancheri
Bellamy said [as quoted by Manchester Evening News], “He wasn’t involved with United in pre-season. I was keeping an eye on him and it will be interesting to see where he goes.”
“I don’t know how it went with Canada when he went there because I haven’t asked him. I chose Canada in a friendly because I like them. They have really good habits and are ranked higher than us.”
“We will have something to compare with when he comes in. I see him a long way from being in our first team. A long, long way.”
“But what I like about him is that when you write him off, he finds a way.”
Bellamy continued, “He’s not quick, and can’t run away from anyone, but he still finds a way. I know he is always going to do something, although I don’t know when. If someone writes him off, he’ll find a way to come back – the kid never goes away. I really respect that.”
“I tend to really love players and I’m just so looking forward to seeing what he can do – just not yet.”
Given that Wales’ striker options are aging Wrexham front man Kieffer Moore, Swansea’s Liam Cullen, who scored 11 goals in the Championship last season, and Oxford’s even less prolific Mark Harris, Bellamy’s dismissal of the brilliant United prodigy as “a long long way” from the team seems bizarre and short-sighted, to say the least.
United were thought to be prepared to sanction a loan exit for Biancheri this summer, but the window closed before his departure. There is little doubt the teenager will be looking to break into Ruben Amorim’s plans this term.
Featured image Lewis Storey via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
