One of the enduring qualities of Manchester United Football Club is the emphasis that the club places on their academy.
Going back all the way to 1937, United have had an academy player represented in every single match day squad – a landmark unrivalled in English football.
Over the course of 9 decades, names such as Duncan Edwards, Sir Bobby Charlton, George Best, Norman Whiteside, Mark Hughes, Ryan Giggs, David Beckham and Paul Scholes have come through the ranks and established their football legacy at the club.
Have United just brought in another young superstar to join that honour roll?
Teenage talent Christopher Atherton, a 14 year old from Glenavon in Northern Ireland, has joined the club on a trial basis according to Manchester United Youth on Instagram.
Atherton made headlines last year when he made a competitive appearance for his side last year at the tender age of 13, making him the youngest British player to ever play a professional match.
He’s since gone on to make a further three appearances for his side, all as substitutes.
After making headlines last year, the youngster has been linked with a number of clubs in Britain from the likes of English sides United, Chelsea and Manchester City to Scottish sides Rangers and Dundee United.
It seems as if United are keen to get a closer look at the youngster and see if he can slot into the academy at the club.
If Atherton does enough to convince the club to move for him, at least he will know that he’s joining a side that provides a clear pathway to the first team for players who are good enough to step up.
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