Manchester United have completed the signing of Northern Irishman Ethan Galbraith. The 16-year old has confirmed that he has completed his move to United on a three-year deal. Galbraith currently plays for Northern Irish club Linfield’s U-16 team.
The player told the Irish Mirror that he signed a pre-contract with Manchester United in January, having impressed during 2 trials at the club. United scout Tony Coulter has identified him as a potential talent.
“I went on a couple of trials last year after I was spotted playing for Linfield U16s. I must have done okay because United then offered me a contract in January,” Galbraith said.
“I signed the pre-contract in January and I will finally travel over to Manchester this weekend to live there and sign my full deal.
“It is one-year scholarship and then two-year pro deal. I will be playing with the Under 18s next season, but the big aim is to progress to the first team.”
Galbraith is a defensive-minded midfielder, and is the captain of the Northern Ireland U17 squad. He has also appeared for the U-18 side.
He will be joining United’s U-18 side next season, who are also coached by Northern Irishman Kieran McKenna. It is hoped that Galbraith will improve the side’s fortunes, after they finished 4th in the U-18 Premier League North last campaign – losing their final fixture 4-2 at home to Blackburn Rovers.
Manchester United is a club with a strong connection to Northern Ireland. George Best was one of the club’s most iconic players and Northern Ireland’s greatest ever export.
Norman Whiteside is also a man revered on the red side of Manchester. While, Jason Gillespie and Jonny Evans made less of an impact at the club, but are still remembered by Red Devils supporters.
United’s academy has begun to fall behind the other big clubs in England, over recent years. The likes of Manchester City and Chelsea have taken the lead in terms of young talent.
Although, there is still more of a pathway into the first-team at United than at either of those clubs. Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard are testament to that.
The concern from some of the club’s more traditional supporters though, is that manager Jose Mourinho doesn’t like to give youth an opportunity.
His record to date, indicates that he prefers to build teams around experienced players. The Portuguese is a winner, success comes before anything else. Although, he has hinted before at wanting to improve his record of promoting youth.
