‘Man United set to beat Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham to English sensation’
Man United are in line to beat a host of Premier League giants to the signing of a new and exciting teenage sensation this summer.
United only recently raided Arsenal’s academy for the signings of Chido Obi-Martin and Ayden Heaven, who have slotted straight into the first team at Old Trafford despite the ongoing problems.
Ruben Amorim has struggled to settle in his first season at Man United, facing a lot of pressure from frustrated supporters, as the Red Devils ended up finishing 15th in the Premier League table.
A multitude of competitions, including the Europa League, however, meant utilising the club’s academy, with Harry Amass, Tyler Fredricson, and Toby Collyer being used at different points of the season.
Some fans have even preferred Chido Obi to Rasmus Hojlund despite the latter being signed for £72million in the summer of 2023 [BBC Sport], the same striker who only scored 10 goals this season.
Now, the Red Devils could add yet another teen sensation to the squad next season, beating Ange Postecoglou, Mikel Arteta, and Enzo Maresca to the signing from relegated Southampton.
Man United ready to sign Harley Emsden-James
According to the Daily Mail (27 May), United are leading the race to sign Southampton’s Harley Emsden-James, who could arrive in Manchester for just £1million in compensation.
Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham have all been tracking the 16-year-old’s progress with the Saints, but the Red Devils’ appointment of Jason Wilcox has handed them an advantage, having worked with Emsden-Harley at St Mary’s Stadium.
The centre-back has made just two appearances in the Under-18s Premier League division, but with multiple big clubs eyeing his signature, there must be a reason for the interest, and United hope they’ve won the race.
Ruben Amorim to reshape Man United squad this summer
Football Insider verdict
While it is unlikely that Emsden-James slots straight into the senior squad next season, it is a clear sign of Amorim’s ambitions for the summer transfer window ahead.
The current squad is unable to adopt the former Sporting CP figure’s playing style, mainly due to a lack of talent in the deadweight players, and it is important that the club get rid of these as soon as possible.
United finished the Premier League season just three spots above the relegation zone, and while they were just one win away from the Europa League title, they are empty-handed.
Football Insider understands that Arsenal could sign Viktor Gyokeres instead of Man United, but that transfer would have solved a lot of problems at the top end of the pitch for Amorim.
He must now head back to the drawing board and bring in some ready-to-go talents, but if Sir Jim Ratcliffe keeps the 40-year-old around long enough, he might be able to hand a debut to Emsden-James over the next couple of campaigns.