West Ham wonderkid Reece Oxford pushed himself closer to a long-awaited first-team debut after scoring for the Under 21s against Manchester United . The 16-year-old , who has been on the bench for the senior side this season , scored with a header in the Hammers 3-2 defeat against the Red Devils on Tuesday night . The goal will push Oxford 's claims for a senior debut before the end of the season . Reece Oxford , pictured here earlier in the season , has moved closer to a first-team debut for West Ham . Oxford scored for West Ham 's under 21 team in their 3-2 defeat to Manchester United on Tuesday night . Oxford signed his first professional contract earlier this season , snubbing interest from all of the Premier League 's big guns . The central defender , who has been likened to Rio Ferdinand , has tipped to be a future England international . Oxford regularly trains with the first team and is hopeful Sam Allardyce will give him his first team debut before the end of campaign .
Oxford scored for this season side in 3-2 loss to Man United on Tuesday . The goal will push 16-year-old 's claim for a first-team debut . Centre-back has trained with West Ham first team under 21 . CLICK HERE for the latest West Ham United news .