Manchester United have started getting their squad in shape for next season with some major decisions and one youngster has earned himself a first pro deal with the club.
Ruben Amorim has leaned into youth development at Man Utd after giving senior stars a chance to make a mark and many youngsters have benefitted from it.
The likes of Chido Obi and Harry Amass are the headlines, while players like Tyler Fredricson came out of nowhere to stake a claim.
The youth ranks have just been beefed up after the club tied up their 18-year-old centre back to his first pro deal after he travelled with Ruben Amorim’s squad for the post-season tour.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Reece Munro signs Man Utd professional contract
When young and exciting centre-backs are talked about at Old Trafford, the names of Godwill Kukonki and Daniel Armer are mentioned.
Ayden Heaven is also in a similar age bracket and showed surprising readiness for first-team football.
However, Reece Munro has been an unsung hero for the academy sides with his leadership, physicality, and under-the-radar technical ability.
Man Utd made their squad update official recently where many long-serving youth players were released, like Jack Kingdon and Sam Murray, so United need defenders in the academy picture.
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Munro was ever-present for United last season, plugging holes for both the U18s and the U21s side, playing as a centre-back and right-back at times.
That ability has been rewarded by the club in the form of his first professional contract.
Up next for Reece Munro at Man Utd
Munro had limited game time with the senior squad when they travelled to Hong Kong and Malaysia for the post-season tour.
He played against ASEAN All-Stars and had a mistake-free, unassuming time on the pitch while the likes of Ayden Heaven were having trouble coping with the pace of the game.
Munro has probably done enough to earn a loan move to an English league side in the second half of the next season.
If he impresses while playing consistently for the U21s, United should send him on a loan to a fourth-division side to get him used to playing senior football.
A loan for six months, from January next year till the end of the season will be beneficial and he can use it as a launchpad to move up the league ladder.
His immediate aim will be to catch Amorim’s eye if he’s selected in the pre-season squad before the next season begins. He could even be fast-tracked to the senior setup if he proves himself ready.
For now, a first pro deal is an encouraging first step and a just reward for his fine form.