Manchester United head of academy recruitment Luke Fedorenko has decided to leave the club after receiving an offer from a major football agency, according to The Athletic’s Andy Mitten.
The Red Devils have made good progress in terms of signings at the academy level over the past couple of years. Fedorenko has played a big part, having been promoted as the head of academy recruitment in 2023 from a youth chief scout.
He was key to signing wonderkids Chido Obi Martin and Ayden Heaven from league rivals Arsenal, working alongside United’s London-based scout, Stephen Ajewole. The duo have attracted some of the top talents from the English capital.
Fedorenko was also instrumental in bringing the likes of JJ Gabriel, Bendito Mantato and Jayden Kamason to the academy, and Mitten claims that United have secured more than £200 million from the sale of academy graduates under his tenure.
Fedorenko followed Nick Cox to the Red Devils from Sheffield United nine years ago after the latter was appointed as their head of academy. Cox recently became Everton’s technical director, and it seems to have enticed Fedorenko to move on.
United set to lose a pivotal academy figure
The Red Devils have endured a tough time in the Premier League under multiple managers, but notable progress has been made in terms of academy recruitment.
Chido Obi is one of the best young strikers at the development level and he could have a bright future ahead. He is still only 17 and could have a major breakout season pretty soon.
Heaven has also made his mark with the first-team squad under manager Ruben Amorim. He has not played regularly this term, but has the potential to become a top-class centre-back.
Looking at the rest of the academy, Gabriel, Mantato and Kamason are notable names to watch out for. The former has been described as ‘Kid Messi‘ for his exceptional dribbling skills.
Amorim has personally monitored the youngster in recent months. He has been spotted watching the development squad and has asked the club’s staff to keep him updated on Gabriel.
Gabriel can’t make his Premier League debut, having not turned 15 before the end of August, but he is free to train with the senior squad in preparation for his possible debut next season or beyond.
Fedorenko has been instrumental in all of these signings. His departure leaves a big void to fill. His ability to select high-quality young talent will now benefit a major agency, which remains unnamed.
Steven Torpey replaced Cox as the academy boss earlier this summer, arriving from Brentford. He will be given the opportunity to bring his own leadership team.