Aheed Abrar
17-year-old centre-back Louis Jackson signs his first professional contract with Manchester United
Manchester United academy youngster Louis Jackson has signed his first professional contract with the Red Devils, according to Manchester Evening News. The Scotland youth international has been one of the brightest prospects in the Red Devils’ academy.
Jackson helped the side win the FA Youth Cup last season with the U18 side. The 17-year-old started in the 3-1 win against Nottingham Forest U18 in the final.
The defender’s exploits with the United U18 side have been recognized. Now, the 17-year-old has been given a new deal. Jackson also made history last year when he played for the U23 side at the age of 15 during pre-season.
United have produced some talented players from the youth setup over the years. The most prominent defensive academy graduate has to be Gray Neville. The former England international spent his entire playing career with the Red Devils, spanning 19 years.
Neville also captained United between 2005 and 2011, when he retired. The right-back had an illustrious career with the Old Trafford side, lifting multiple Premier League and Champions League titles under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Currently, Marcus Rashford is the most established academy graduate at United. Anthony Elanga and Alejandro Garnacho have also made their way into the first-team setup.
United have a host of defensive options in the side. Erik ten Hag has called upon Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez most often in the 2022/23 campaign. And the duo have formed a solid partnership.
Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are also decent options for any side to have on the bench. Our captain has lost his place in the starting lineup in recent weeks.
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Jackson still has a long way to go in his career. The 17-year-old needs the right guidance and mentorship. It remains to be seen whether the defender is able to break into the first and make his name at Old Trafford.
