Manchester United midfielder makes decision on international future

The Manchester Evening News reported that Ibragimov was weighing up his international future after being included in Russia's provisional squad for friendlies against Egypt, Burkina Faso and Trinidad and Tobago.

Ibragimov started in the FA Youth Cup final against Manchester City last week. The academy season has now concluded, but he will join up with Russia at the end of the month for their friendlies.

Ibragimov is one of the most highly rated prospects in the academy. Three years ago, he trained with the first-team for the first time aged just 15, and he has continued to progress through the ranks.

The midfielder recently returned to action on the pitch after a five-month injury lay-off, coming off the bench against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in the Premier League Cup final.

Russia will not be a part of the World Cup this summer after being banned by FIFA following the invasion of Ukraine. They were banned from qualifying, meaning they could not earn a spot at the tournament.

The last official match played by Russia's men under the banner of mainstream competition was a 1-0 defeat by Croatia in a 2022 World Cup qualifying fixture in November 2021.

Russia have still competed internationally in friendlies, though, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently said that international bans in professional sports do ‘more harm than good’.

However, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said his organisation is not considering Russia’s return to international football, despite FIFA chief Infantino signalling support for easing the ban.