Whether Ajose can make it at United, or perhaps even in the Premier league, is difficult to tell. I've literally given up on all predictions (well, most) because players who don't even impress in the reserves (John O'Shea being one example) can go on to have long careers in the first team, whereas players who convince you that they are certain to make it at United (numerous members of the Rossi, David Jones, etc, side) almost all end up leaving. Of course, they may, and indeed, some have, go on to play at the highest level, just not at this club.
What that told me was that talent is certainly not the only determinant (obvious really, I suppose). But it also suggests that being the complete package — talent, work ethic, mental qualities, etc — are also no guarantee, either. Of course, any player that is truly outstanding should have a very good chance, but they are very rare. As much as it pisses us off when good players leave, we have to accept that the structure of the squad at the time when these decisions need to be made is also a major factor in determining whether a player will become a first team regular.
If there are already three or four experienced, yet relatively young, players who are vying for a position, unless the manager see's something in the up-and-coming talent that he deems worthy of the first team, such as the potential to be much better than one of the already existing members, very talented players may possibly be allowed to leave. So, who stays and who goes isn't always a completely reliable indicator of ability.
To bring it back to Ajose, I would classify him as a bonifide forward. He may even be a very useful striker in the future. He can certainly beat players, and he has a few tricks, as well, but most of his best work is done 10-15 yards inside the touchline. He is very good at linking up with the raiding left-back, central midfielders, as well as the strikers, and that's why he manages to find himself in the box with the opportunity to score goals. In the modern game, that is a very useful ability to have, because attacking midfielders, wingers, and forwards, are all expected to contribute a greater and greater percentage of goals, particularly in a teams that use only one striker.
