Exclusive: Man United scouts tracking African teenage sensation
Manchester United are tracking Gambian teenage sensation Musa Ann, sources have told Football Insider.
Man United scouts have been in attendance to watch the 6ft 2in centre-back play for Samger FC, who have a track record of developing young talents.
A number of top clubs across Europe have been alerted to Ann’s potential, with the left-sided centre-back regarded as one of the most promising young defenders in African football.
The Gambia Under-17 international is believed to have impressed the Old Trafford scouts, who are expected to keep a close eye on his development.
He would follow a number of Samger FC players to make the switch, with the club’s nickname The Academy Boys highlighting the success of their talent production.
Man United plot move to sign Musa Ann
Man United have a history of recruiting some of Africa’s brightest talents, having signed Sekou Kone from Malian side Guidars FC for £1million last summer.
He has since gone on to play a key role in United’s Under-21 side both in the Premier League 2 and has been named on the bench by Ruben Amorim despite not having yet made a senior appearance.
Ann will be hoping to follow in the footsteps as the next player to make the jump from African football to Man United, having caught the eye of watching scouts.
His displays at the back in the top division of Gambian football has attracted many admirers despite his young age, with a new to moving to Europe.
As a result the Red Devils are considering making a move to bring him to England and beat rival clubs to his highly sought-after signature.
Ann could join long list of Man United academy stars
United have placed a firm emphasis on developing talent through their academy which has continues under the guidance of Amorim in recent years.
The likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho have played significant roles in the last couple of seasons, with the history of academy stars still going strong.
Both academy graduates have been subject to concerns, however, with Mainoo unhappy at Man United while Garnacho left to join Chelsea.
A number of impressive foreign players have also come through the academy having been snapped up at a young age, including the likes of Paul Pogba, who joined Monaco in the summer and Anthony Elanga, who moved to Newcastle.
Ann will now be hoping to follow in their footsteps should United proceed to bring him in, as they continue to keep a close eye on his development.
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