Manchester United have announced that three academy youngsters have signed professional contracts with the club, with another prospect reportedly close to following them.
Manchester United has a long-standing reputation for developing players through its academy, and Fred Heath, Dante Plunkett and Will Murdock are now taking another step in their careers at Old Trafford.
Heath and Plunkett have signed their first professional contracts with United, while Murdock has put pen to paper on his second deal with the club.
The latest announcements underline the continued movement of young players through the academy system as United look to develop the next generation.
Manchester United Academy Contracts handed to trio
Murdock has joined United’s Under-21s side after previously being part of the squad that travelled to the United States for pre-season in the summer of 2025.
Heath was also included in United’s pre-season squad this summer and is now set to link up with the Under-21s alongside Murdock.
For Plunkett, his new contract follows a season in which he made 12 appearances for the Under-18s during the 2025/26 campaign.
The trio will now look to build on their academy progress and push themselves closer to senior football.
There could also be another contract announcement soon. Journalist Nathan Salt has reported that winger Noah Ajayi is closing in on a professional deal with United.
Expectation is that Noah Ajayi’s pro contract is close to being finalised, too #mufc https://t.co/m7hzMFarGP
— Nathan Salt (@NathSalt1) September 16, 2026
Ajayi has reportedly impressed with his performances, prompting the club to consider rewarding him with a new contract.
With Heath, Plunkett and Murdock already confirmed, United could soon have four academy players committing their futures to the club.
Man Utd player ratings vs Brighton: Lacey shines in cup collapse
Man Utd player ratings vs Brighton: Lacey shines in cup collapse
Man Utd 2-3 Brighton: Two-goal lead thrown away in cup collapse
Man Utd 2-3 Brighton: Two-goal lead thrown away in cup collapse