Fountain of YOUTH

HOW UNITED ARE SCOURING THE GLOBE FOR POTENTIAL STARS OF THE FUTURE

- By STEVEN RAILSTON

BREXIT rules mean Manchester United’s academy recruitment is limited to the United Kingdom. English clubs cannot sign talented teenagers from Europe under the age of 18.

That means United must wait until a player from Europe celebrates their 18th birthday to act on their interest. However, players are usually tied down and more difficult to sign by that stage of their career.

United still operate in the European market when opportunities arise and were proactive in wrapping up the signing of Enzo Kana-Biyik on a free transfer from Le Havre this summer.

Since Ineos invested in the club, there has been increased activity in markets outside of Europe. Sekou Kone was signed from Mali in 2024, Diego Leon arrived from Paraguay this summer and United have struck a preliminary agreement to sign Colombian teenager Cristian Orozco.

The defensive midfielder plays for Fortaleza CEIF, has captained Colombia's Under-17 team and helped his nation reach the final of the U17 South American Championship in the spring.