As featured on NewsNow: Football news

Man Utd add Luca Ercolani, Ireland captain O'Connor to academy squad

Manchester United have announced the addition of several new players for their academy.

United has confirmed the names of eight new first-year scholars in the club's Academy, all of whom will be eligible to play for the Under-18 team in 2016/17.

There is already plenty of experience at that level within the group as Angel Gomes was regularly involved in Tommy Martin's side last season. The skilful no.10, who has already played in the FA Youth Cup at the age of 15, turns 16 on the last day of August and will be expected to be an influential figure as he looks to add to his three Under-18 Premier League goals so far.

Dynamic midfielder Aidan Barlow and England Under-17 livewire George Tanner also scored for the Under-18s in 2015/16. Jake Barratt and Harry Spratt were blooded too, while their fellow defender Luca Ercolani made the bench after completing his arrival from Forli in his native Italy.

Another defender, Max Dunne, is the only Manchester-born youngster in the group, although Barlow is from nearby Salford. Meanwhile, versatile Republic of Ireland youth captain Lee O'Connor joins from Waterford, where former Reds star John O'Shea was born.

First-year scholars 2016/17: Aidan Barlow, Jake Barratt, Max Dunne, Luca Ercolani, Angel Gomes, Lee O'Connor, Harry Spratt, George Tanner.

Video of the day:

About the author

Paul Vegas

×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

  1. Go Ad-Free
  2. Faster site experience
  3. Support great writing
  4. Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free
×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free