Sidney Sladen
Leeds United goalkeeper Theo Richardson is reportedly close to signing for Manchester United, after it appeared that the young shot stopper was on the bench for United U-18 side that faced Liverpool on the 10th of March.
Theo Richardson was not offered a professional contract by Leeds United was said to be undergoing a trial at Manchester United, by the unofficial Twitter account of Leeds United Youth. The fact that United confirmed on their official website about the youngster being a part of the U-18 squad that faced the Reds, confirms the account’s credibility.
United appear to have seized upon the unexpected availability of Richardson, 18, who has been in Leeds’ Under-18s side this season, which is managed by Andy Gray and Mark Jackson.
It is common for trials to be handed to emerging players with a view to earning a contract and another former Leeds academy player Frank Mulhern, 19, underwent a trial at Huddersfield last month before sealing a transfer to the Championship rivals.
The unofficial Leeds United academy account is establishing a reputation as an increasingly reliable source of Leeds youth team news. It has previously broken stories about young players undergoing Leeds trials, including Huddersfield midfielder Jack Boyle and Middlesbrough defender Callum Johnson.
Whether Manchester United will sign Theo Richardson or not is unknown but the youngster being offered a chance at a club like Man United is a sign of hope in his career. It would have been hard for the 18-year old to handle the fact that he will not be offered a pro contract by Leeds. But now, if he does manage to grab the opportunity to impress the Manchester United coaches, then it would be a sign of better and bigger things to come.
Good luck to #lufc second year scholar goalkeeper Theo Richardson who has been told he won’t be getting a pro contract and is free to leave
— Lufcyouth (@leedsutdacademy) March 2, 2017
Manchester United have always had great goalkeepers in their team and hence the chance will not come easy for the 18-year old Theo.
However, if he does sign for United, then it would mean that the youth coaches at Old Trafford are impressed by the young goalkeeper and he can be proud of it.
