Manchester United officially announced their retained list yesterday, confirming which academy players had been offered professional terms and which youngsters were leaving the youth system. The Manchester Evening News provides extensive coverage of United's academy, and the academy notebook has been relaunched to offer readers the latest news, reaction and views on the youth system.
This week's edition includes updates on two players who have been offered professional contracts, a youngster set to leave Carrington, and insight into potential youth incomings this summer.
Professional Contracts
Albert Mills and Dante Plunkett are set to sign their first professional terms with United next month. The pair will sign their first pro contracts after impressing club staff at Carrington this season. Mills was consistently excellent for the Under-18s. The centre-back started in every FA Youth Cup fixture as the Reds reached the final, and his form was rewarded with a debut for England's U18s at the end of May. Plunkett played just under 600 minutes this term, but he also enjoyed a milestone at the end of the campaign by receiving a call-up to Jamaica's men's team, which he described as an "incredible experience."
Mills and Plunkett signing their professional contracts at 18 is a reminder that every journey is different. Some young players are immediately handed pro terms on their 17th birthday, the earliest date pro terms can be signed, but there's nothing wrong with others needing a little bit more time to get there.
Another Switch to Leeds
Another young player is leaving United's academy to join Leeds' youth ranks. Silva Mexes is set to move to West Yorkshire, and the suggestion is that he has been promised a professional contract when he turns 17. United recruited Mexes when he was 14 from Ipswich Town in the summer of 2024. He didn't make an appearance for the U18s this season, and a move to Leeds should provide opportunities in the higher age groups. Mexes is the son of former Wales and Cardiff City international Robert Earnshaw. He has represented Thailand's youth teams so far. The forward is the latest young player to join Leeds from United's academy, as the Leeds-born Edward Ibrovic-Fletcher signed for the Elland Road club a few months ago.
More Departures
United confirmed the departures of James Bailey and Malachi Sharpe on Wednesday. Sharpe had already posted on social media, saying: "After five years, my time at Man United has come to an end! I want to say thank you to God, the coaches, players, staff and the fans for my incredible time with this amazing club. Though my time had been difficult with injuries, I vow to do my best on the next part of my journey. Once a red, always a red."
United's statement on the youth exits was classy, reading: "The academy is proud of all of our departing young players throughout the age groups. Each of them will be supported in securing contracts at new clubs, provided with a bespoke aftercare programme, and will always have a lifelong association with Manchester United." It's never easy to leave an academy, so the best of luck to the pair as they explore the next stage of their careers.
Academy Recruitment Drive
United's academy recruitment has been narrowed to the British shores in the post-Brexit era, meaning United's youth scouts must stay alert for opportunities to sign players from rival Premier League clubs. The best youth systems tend to keep their most talented young players, but there are instances when opportunities to sign talented prospects arise. Isaac Konde and Vincent Joseph are two youngsters from Liverpool who United are interested in adding to their academy. Both players have received plenty of interest, so it will be a coup if they switch to Carrington.
The Training Goalkeeper Role
Solomon Honor was on the club's retained list, but most supporters wouldn't have heard of his name previously. That's because Honor joined United earlier in this year, signing for the club in a training goalkeeper role. Although Honor signed to support the U21s in training, he has supplemented first-team training sessions as well. Honor played for Manchester City's academy as a boy before joining Blackburn as a teenager.
