Man Utd have made some important announcements at youth level as they build for the future.
Manchester United celebrated their new intake of first-year scholars in a special ceremony at Old Trafford earlier this week. United have handed out 12 new scholarships to talented teenagers who are all expected to feature for the club at U18s level next season.
Tom Heaton spoke to the youngsters and their families about his own pathway from the club's illustrious academy to the first-team and how his United upbringing helped him make it as a professional footballer. The teenagers were also officially presented with their United club suits, which have been worn by United players since Sir Matt Busby’s era.
A whole host of talent was officially inducted into the Professional Development Phase group, including teenage defender Jayden Ngwashi, who has opted to remain at United after serious interest in his signature from overseas clubs. Scholarships were also handed to Zach Watson, Jariyah Shah and Neithan Barbosa, who joined United for a six-figure compensation fee from Doncaster Rovers three years ago.
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United agree new deal with Jayden Ngwashi
Jayden Ngwashi is one of the most highly-rated youngsters at Manchester United and had been attracting serious interest from a host of top European clubs this summer. The 16-year-old made his league debut for the U18 side at the beginning of March and then went a step further with his U21 debut a few weeks later.
It shows just how highly the centre-back is rated that he has already made two appearances at U21 level and United were desperate to keep hold of him due to his huge potential. Although Brexit rules limit the moves youngsters can make at his age, Ngwashi has an Italian passport and would have been able to join clubs across the continent.
The teenage centre-back has already represented both England and Italy at international level and will have a tough decision to make when he chooses which country he would like to play for at senior level. His most recent international involvement came for the England U17 side earlier in the year.
United announce 12 scholarship deals
Noah Ajayi (Forward), Neithan Barbosa (Forward), Nathaniel-Junior Brown (Forward), Yuel Helafu (Defender), Eddie Ibrovic-Fletcher (Midfielder), Louie Bradbury (Forward), Rafe McCormack (Defender), Jay McEvoy (Midfielder), Jayden Ngwashi (Defender), Jariyah Shah (Midfielder), Jacob Watson (Defender), Zachary Watson (Goalkeeper).
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