According to The Athletic, Manchester United has signed 16-year-old goalkeeper Charlie Hardy from Derby County.
According to reports, Manchester United has signed the England National Youth Team goalkeeper. The 16-year-old Hardy will join Manchester United's youth training and play for the U18 echelon coached by Fletcher. Yesterday, he completed the Premier League's five-step process for registering an academy player. He will sign a scholarship contract and be eligible to sign a professional contract when he turns 17 next July.
Hardy has played 5 times for the England U16 National Youth Team. He made his first appearance under former Manchester United youth team coach Neil Ryan. When he was just 14 years old, he was on the bench for Derby County's U18s against Manchester United's U18s.
Hardy started playing for Derby County U18s at the age of 15. Given his status as a first-level scholarship player, he is free to transfer to another English club.
After spending nine years at Derby County, Hardy wrote on Instagram four weeks ago: "After almost ten years at Derby County, it's time to start a new chapter. Nine years here have been incredible."
"I just want to thank everyone at the club who has supported me and helped me throughout my journey. I have become the player and person I am today. I am grateful for all the memories I have made at the club and the team-mates I have played alongside, and I wish everyone at the club the best for the future."
Manchester United's academy is now under a new leadership structure, with scouts tasked with finding young talents with the potential to become first-team players.