Team USA goalkeeper says he rejected Manchester United move
Image Credits: Imago Images
Manchester United have produced some of football’s biggest names, while the club have also recruited talented youngsters from across the world in an attempt to develop future stars.
Last summer, United signed Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp in a deal designed to strengthen the club’s long-term options between the posts.
The move has already proven a huge success.
Lammens was recently named both the Premier League’s Transfer of the Season and The Athletic’s Signing of the Season following an outstanding debut campaign at Old Trafford.
However, not every highly-rated goalkeeper chooses the Manchester United pathway.
According to Fortune, Team USA’s current first-choice goalkeeper once turned down the opportunity to join Manchester United in favour of continuing his education.
The player in question is Matt Freese.
Goalkeeper rejected Manchester United move
Freese, now 27, revealed that he had the chance to sign an apprenticeship contract with Manchester United earlier in his career.
Instead, he opted to attend Harvard University, where he studied economics and computer science while continuing to develop as a footballer.
Speaking to ESPN, Freese admitted that attending Harvard ultimately helped him thrive both on and off the pitch.
He explained that balancing academics alongside football improved his problem-solving skills and accelerated his development as a goalkeeper.
Fortune report that Freese described turning down Manchester United as a family decision, with his parents placing significant importance on education.
Although he initially chose university, Freese turned professional with Philadelphia Union after three semesters before later returning to complete his degree in 2022.
Since then, the goalkeeper has steadily progressed through American football.
Freese made his professional breakthrough with Philadelphia Union before joining New York City FC in 2023.
He has since established himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Matt Freese has made more than 100 appearances across all competitions and is one of Major League Soccer’s most consistent performers.
His impressive club form earned him a first senior United States call-up in 2025.
Freese has now established himself as Team USA’s starting goalkeeper and is currently representing his country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil.
While many young players dream of moving to Old Trafford, Freese’s story highlights that there is more than one route to reaching football’s biggest stage.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTREDEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!