Manchester United Football Club is famed for its approach to its academy.
For over 85 years and over 40,000 games, the club has had at least one academy player in every match day squad – a feat unrivalled in the football world.
But this summer saw manager Erik ten Hag take a more ruthless approach to the academy.
It seems that the new philosophy of the hierarchy is that players that are good enough for the first team, will stay and play. While those who are seen as just below that standard will be moved on.
Hence we see the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo still around the first team, while the likes of Anthony Elanga and Charlie Savage were moved on.
It seems that United now have their eye on not one, but two signings for their academy.
That’s according to the Daily Mail, who report that it’s now a straight shoot out between Manchester United and RB Leipzig to sign 16 year old Dino Klapija from NK Kustosija in Croatia.
Klapija had interest from some of the biggest clubs in the world including AC Milan, Juventus, Barcelona and Chelsea, but it seems that he’ll either end up in Manchester or Leipzig.
The youngster has been capped at youth level by Croatia, but was recently called up to the USA Under-17 squad as he was born in the United States.
Both United and Leipzig are prepared to pay a transfer fee of around £5m for the teenager however, Klapija’s family want to ensure he can settle and continue his education wherever he ends up.
The newspaper also report that United are also looking at another player – this time one closer to home.
14-year-old Leeds United winger Finley Gorman is attracting interest from United as well as a number of other clubs including Manchester City.
