Three signings from Manchester City and Liverpool, a first pro deal for Noah Ajayi and an England goal for Shea Lacey: a guide to United's youth sides this season.
Manchester United's academy has had one of its busiest stretches in years. Three teenagers have arrived from direct Premier League rivals, one of the Under-18s' best performers has signed a professional contract, and a first-team squad member has scored for England's Under-20s. Here is a guide to who is who, how the age-group sides are doing and what to watch for.
The three arrivals
All three signings came from clubs United compete with at the top of English football, and all three were given a tour of Old Trafford on signing, part of what the club describes as an "enhanced experience" for young players and their families.
- Karim Cassim (17), central midfielder, from Manchester City. An England Under-17 international who was part of the City side that won the FA Youth Cup last season. He was spotted on United's bench during MUTV's coverage of the Under-18s' win over Charlton in August, which gave the move away before it was announced on 24 September.
- David Eze (16), central midfielder, from Manchester City. Born in Dublin, he holds a European passport, so clubs on the continent could have signed him, but he chose Old Trafford. He has played for England at Under-16 and Under-17 level. His deal includes a pre-professional contract that converts to full terms when he turns 17.
- Isaac Konde (16), forward, from Liverpool. He turned down scholarship terms at Liverpool, where he got his first taste of Under-18 football late last season. He can play on either flank or through the middle and will join Darren Fletcher's Under-18s after the international break.
Why United recruit from their rivals
The Manchester Evening News notes that, because of post-Brexit rules, United's academy is essentially limited to a United Kingdom-based recruitment search. That makes neighbouring Premier League clubs a natural source of the best young talent, and it explains why Carrington has been proactive in adding players from City and Liverpool over recent years.
Noah Ajayi's first professional deal
Winger Noah Ajayi, 17, has signed what the club call a long-term professional contract. He scored twice in last season's FA Youth Cup and finished the campaign with nine goals in all competitions for Fletcher's Under-18s, who reached the final. He has also played for the Under-21s. Born in Hamburg, he has been capped by Germany at youth level.
How the age-group sides are doing
- Under-21s: third in Premier League 2 after winning all three matches. The two teams above them, Southampton and Tottenham, have played one game more.
- Under-18s: third in the Premier League North, six points behind leaders Manchester City, after a win over Newcastle just before the break. Fletcher's squad includes Kai Rooney and Jayce Carrick, both of whom are progressing, and the three new arrivals will add to the options.
Shea Lacey and the England connection
Shea Lacey, 19, scored for England's Under-20s against Italy on 25 September. He came on with England leading 2-1 and, within ten minutes, cut in from the right and curled the ball into the top left corner. His United team-mates Harry Amass and Ayden Heaven played the full game. Michael Carrick praised Lacey after his first start at Old Trafford, telling MUTV that cutting inside on his left foot was "his little spot" at Carrington. For a player on the fringe of the first team, goals at international level help his case for more minutes.
A small setback for Jaydan Kamason
Defender Jaydan Kamason missed the Under-21s' last game before the break, against Brentford, with what the Manchester Evening News describes as a small, precautionary problem. He is expected back within a couple of weeks. He has two assists this season and, after loan interest from Championship clubs, will stay at United until January so that he is guaranteed minutes.
Why it matters
The academy is central to United's plan to stay competitive while controlling costs (our finances piece explains the budget backdrop). Nine players in the current squad are aged 19 or under, as our squad guide shows. For a reminder of how far a great youth group can go, read about the Class of 92, or see the greats on our legends page.
Reporting used
This piece is our own analysis, built from the following reporting and our own results and table data. We link to the original stories so you can read them in full.
- Manchester Evening News: Man Utd: Academy round-up: Lacey scores for England U20, Kamason a minor doubt
- Manchester Evening News: Man Utd: Ajayi signs pro deal as United add Cassim, Eze and Konde to the academy
- Manchester Evening News: Man Utd: Manchester United complete academy signing of Isaac Konde from Liverpool
- Manchester Evening News: Man Utd: Manchester United sign academy midfielder David Eze from Manchester City