Manchester United have taken a new youngster on trial, who is said to be “very good”, continuing the new transfer strategy at Old Trafford.
Jason Wilcox was appointed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, initially to become the Technical Director under Dan Ashworth, but he has since been promoted to Director of Football at Manchester United.
As part of the new INEOS regime, Wilcox has revolutionised United’s transfer strategy, as the club has shifted their focus to signing more promising young players since their arrival.
Patrick Dorgu has been the best example of this so far, as he has gone straight into Rúben Amorim’s first-team squad, and he has now been joined by Diego Leon.
In the Academy sides, there have been several more examples, most notably, Sékou Koné, who could give his first-team debut before the end of the season.
United have continued their young player strategy this summer – with Enzo Kana-Biyik, Harley Emsden-James and more joining – and could yet add another to the youth setup.
Mendy goes on trial with United
Now that the transfer window has closed, United can’t sign any more players for the senior squad, but they can still take players on trial if they don’t have a professional contract.
Ettiene Mendy – an under-17 Senegal international – is currently on trial at United, according to Info Mercato 13 Football on X (formerly Twitter).
AfricaFoot said, “Etienne Mendy is impressive. He’s an extraordinarily effective dribbler, a very good player in the last 30 meters, and has excellent technical skills.”
He could be a good addition to Darren Fletcher’s under-18s side, now that Shea Lacey and Bendito Mantato have stepped up to Travis Binnion’s under-21s.
However, like Koné, Mendy won’t be able to join United until he turns 18, due to new rules involving Brexit.
Wilcox perfects academy recruitment
While he hasn’t been at Old Trafford long, Wilcox appears to have perfected his role, especially when it comes to the academy sides, with promising transfers made every window.
Koné could join the first team sooner rather than later, and Wilcox has also used the multi-club model with Kana-Biyik joining Lausanne-Sport on loan for the season.
The INEOS man is performing well and could be helping Amorim to push his side up the league table.
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