Why Manchester United must make a move for Charlie McNeill
According to Daily Mail, Manchester United are interested in signing highly-rated youngster Charlie McNeill from rivals Manchester City.
The England youth striker is set to leave the Etihad after rejecting a contract offer with the City, whom he joined six years ago. However, McNeill will turn 17 only in September and the two clubs will have to agree upon a fee or risk a tribunal.
Despite just being a teenager, McNeill’s goal-scoring exploits at the youth levels had seen him feature for City’s under-18 side as many as eight times so far. A centre-forward, McNeill’s goal-scoring exploits for the City’s academy saw him being offered opportunities with their under-18 side as early as last year.
However, he recently found himself fall down the pecking order. To date, he has made eight appearances for City’s under-18 team and has a goal to his name. He is also a member of England’s under-16 side and has played for the Three Lions four times since making his debut back in January last year.
McNeill could be a good future signing for Manchester United
Given his current contract situation and the teenager’s desire to find new challenges, it is not a big surprise Manchester United have come forward with an interest in him. United, on the other hand, under new boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, have signed young players.
Solskjaer had roped in youngsters such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James, who have gone on to become key players for the side. The 22-year-old Bissaka has established himself as the first-choice right-back in the side while James has impressed with three goals and six assists.
The Norwegian boss’ decision to offer first-team opportunities for academy graduates such as Mason Greenwood and Brandon Williams also reaped dividends, as they finished 3rd in the table this season.
The 18-year-old Greenwood has had a breakthrough campaign this season, scoring 10 league goals, making him a first-team name in recent times. Williams, meanwhile, has featured 17 times in the league and has often started as a left-back in the absence of main man Luke Shaw.
Similarly, McNeill also fits the mould of young and hungry talents with which Solskjaer is trying to build a squad at Manchester United. With French striker Anthony Martial back in form and Greenwood also establishing himself, it is true that first-team opportunities will be very limited for young McNeill if he opts to move to Old Trafford.
However, the success stories of Greenwood and Williams is an example that United offer their young players chances. That said, McNeill could also prove to be an excellent signing for the Red Devils, having proved himself at the youth level for both club and country.
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Verdict
Though Manchester United have enough back-up in their goal-scoring department at the moment, McNeill’s addition will only make them stronger. Moreover, he is just 16 now and can develop his game under the guidance of a coach like Solskjaer.
