It is impossible to have paid attention to the international break this month without hearing the name Troy Parrott, but Manchester United are well aware of him.
The international break was the first in a long time that was exciting, with plenty of stories emerging around the games.
Scott McTominay spurred Scotland into the World Cup with an incredible goal against Denmark; however, the story of the break came from the Republic of Ireland.
The hopes of qualifying prior to a week ago looked bleak at best for Ireland. But Ireland beat a Bruno Fernandes-less Portugal side 2-0, followed by a dramatic 3-2 win over Hungary to secure a spot in March’s play-offs.
The star of these incredible moments for Ireland was former Tottenham striker Troy Parrott, and as a result of five goals in two games, the 23-year-old is unsurprisingly a hot topic.
What Manchester United think of Troy Parrott
There will be statues and parks named after Troy Parrott if his performances can push Ireland into the World Cup, and the AZ Alkmaar striker will also be hoping that he earns himself a big move.
Well, United in Focus understands, via Graeme Bailey, that while not a top target, the Red Devils are aware of Parrott and his form in the Netherlands, which has made him an option if another forward is needed.
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“He is a name that everyone in the Premier League is now looking at him. Is he the new Harry Kane? People are wondering.
“United are aware, they have seen in him domestically in Holland and internationally – but not an active target for them, I don’t believe….January, that is anyway. Come the summer, if they want another forward, he could be considered.”
Like Kane, Parrott was underwhelming early in his career but has broken through in his early 20s, and for the Irish hero, his quality is more than just the two games over this international break.
Troy Parrott is more than just an international break sensation
His incredible performances on the international stage have ultimately sparked interest in Parrott and got him on the lips of fans across the league.
However, for AZ Alkmaar, Parrott has quietly been performing to an elite level and these Ireland performances are no surprise.
| Club | Season | Games | Goals | Assists |
| AZ Alkmaar | 2025/26 | 14 | 13 | 1 |
| AZ Alkmaar | 2024/25 | 47 | 20 | 4 |
| Excelsior Rotterdam | 2023/24 | 32 | 17 | 5 |
Since moving to the Netherlands, Parrott has scored 17 and 20 goals in his two full seasons, and this campaign has 13 in 14 games, setting him on the path for a big-money move anyway.
Averaging a goal contribution per game in the Netherlands is always going to be an impressive feat and one that will catch the eye.
Parrott has likely just accelerated his status by being elevated through international form.
If he continues this form and spurs Ireland to a World Cup, it will be clubs at the top end of the Premier League chasing his signature next summer. It has been too long since United had an Irish footballing hero at the club.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/IgsDHye