Sridhar Bhamidi
Manchester United are supposed to have landed a great talent in Charlie McCann who is rated as an ‘unbelievable talent’ by Coventry City’s academy chief (Manchester Evening News). The 15-year-old has put pen to paper and will join the famed Red Devils’ academy after spending eight years with the League Two outfit Coventry City. The England Under-16s player will link up with Nicky Butt.
This is an excellent turn of events as far as our Academy is concerned. Manchester United’s Academy needs no introduction as it holds the distinction of being one of the top institutions in the country to roll out talents.
However, in the recent past, the mantle of top position has been lost to local rivals Manchester City. The heavily funded Etihad Academy has attracted a lot of attention as one of the top destinations in Europe. That saw United lose its way a little with young talents heading to City’s Academy. This has prompted an overhaul at Old Trafford, with former midfielder Butt being roped in as the new chief.
Scouting network at all levels has been overhauled as well, which has resulted in many key young signings this year. Spanish top talent Arnau Puigmal has been signed despite strong interest from Barcelona while other in-demand players like Largie Ramazani and Millen Baars have also been signed.
With this latest signing of McCann, it looks like the cycle is complete for United’s Academy. The youngster has been creating waves in his age group and it was reported that he would have left Coventry only for United.
Coventry City’s head of Academy, Rich Stevens admitted that it was hard to let go of such a player with a bright future but the League Two outfit had to bow to the wishes of their star pupil and his parents.
McCann has been a life-long supporter of United and believes that he can make a mark at Old Trafford. If he is half as good as what his previous club proclaims to be, I feel that he can be a great hit at our Academy. I just wish that we do not put extra pressure on him with all these expectations and rather let him develop naturally.
