Man United ‘heavily monitoring’ English wonderkid after contract talks stalled

Manchester United are ‘heavily monitoring’ a highly talented English wonderkid after his contract talks with his current club stalled.

United have heavily improved the academy system in recent years after it was heavily criticised in the years after Sir Alex Ferguson retired.

They have seen the benefits through victory in the FA Youth Cup in 2022, as well as the league and cup double that the current Under-18 side have achieved.

However, more importantly, the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo have emerged as important first-team regulars.

To achieve this turnaround, United focused on many internal aspects and also upped their recruitment. Harry Amass is one of the most recent examples, having been signed by the club from Watford last summer.

With academy expert Jason Wilcox now also in the building, it’s unlikely that those at Old Trafford aim to slow down in the youth building, and it appears that a very talented player could be heading for Carrington.

According to StretfordTrends, United are heavily monitoring the situation of 16-year-old midfielder Chris Rigg from Sunderland.

It was added that talks over a new contract at the Stadium of Light have stalled. The player is currently on a two-year scholarship deal that expires in June 2025.

Despite being just 16 years of age, too young to sign professional terms with any English club, Rigg has played 20 games in the Championship for Sunderland this term, starting eight of those matches.

United tried to pry the talented teenager away from Sunderland in the past but the he was against a move at the time, the report added.

It was finally stated that there are several top Premier League tops interested in the midfielder, but United have the ‘most firm’ interest, and it looks like the Old Trafford club are the most likely to land his signature if Sunderland cannot rescue a deal.