Manchester United may be focussed on overhauling the first team this summer, but the academy is also seeing some exciting additions.
Ever since taking charge of the footballing operations around the club, Ineos have made a conscious effort to recruit elite academy talents.
There is no better example of Manchester United pulling off this plan than securing the signing of Chido Obi from Arsenal last October.
Obi was one of the hottest prospects in Europe, wanted by several clubs but United won the race. After joining, he wasted little time, with Obi making his first-team debut in February.
Another shining example of this recruitment came when United signed Ayden Heaven from Arsenal in January for just £1.5m.
Not content with the work already done, now United are in the race to sign one of England’s most exciting 16-year-olds.
Seth Ridgeon in action for England U17 wearing captains armband.
Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images
Manchester United battling to sign Seth Ridgeon
Utilising the academy is embedded within the history of Manchester United and Ineos are keeping this tradition.
Ineos appointed an academy using head coach in Ruben Amorim, and therefore investment in the youth is sure to continue.
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Now, United are in the race to sign a very talented teenager.
It comes according to journalist Jacob Steinberg, who claims that Fulham wonderkid and England U17 captain, Seth Ridgeon is the subject of a widescale transfer race.
United are in the hunt to sign the 16-year-old, but will face tricky competition from Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea who are all suitors for the midfielder.
Ridgeon is not believed to have made a decision on his future, but he wasn’t included in Fulham’s scholarship list earlier this week with the London side not giving up in efforts to keep hold of him.
If Ridgeon was signed, he would be the second summer academy addition after United signed Harley James-Emsden from Southampton for £1m.
Seth Ridgeon looks set to make history and it could be for Manchester United
When Fulham released their scholars list, the one glaring absence was Ridgeon, which gave a hint that the race to sign him was about to heat up.
Whoever signs Ridgeon is getting a player at the very top of his class and seemingly destined to become a Premier League midfielder, which would make him a history maker.
Ridgeon comes from Sri Lankan descent through his mother, despite being an England international, and if he goes on to debut in the Premier League he would be the first in history to do so with Sri Lankan heritage.
He would also be the first at United to do so, which would no doubt be a proud moment for his family.
Hopefully United win the race, as it is the perfect venue for a player like this to hone his craft and develop into a top class midfielder.