Elyh Harrison started in goal for Manchester United’s U21s in a friendly against Chester on Wednesday night.
With the senior Manchester United squad off to the USA on tour for pre-season, the youngsters not selected have continued their own preparations for the new season with a 3-1 win over Chester.
At the Deva Stadium on Wednesday night, I watched on as the United XI showed encouraging signs in an impressive victory over the Vanarama National League North side.
With Gabriele Biancheri and 16-year-old James Bailey among the goals for Travis Binnion’s side, it was actually another player in the Red Devils ranks who stuck out as being excellent.
Elyh Harrison impressed in goal despite conceding and played a big part in securing the win against senior opposition.
Elyh Harrison shines for Manchester United’s U21s
Every single U21 player had a point to prove on Wednesday close to the Welsh border in CH1, and in the main, they all did just that.
But in particular, Harrison looked solid with numerous goal-saving stops, including one acrobatic save in the second half to keep the scores at 2-1.
The 18-year-old looked like a real prospect, in what was the first time I managed to watch him play in person.
He is already the right stature for senior football despite his age, something which came in handy as he came to claim a few high balls.
A performance which proves he might be ready for life beyond academy football, and could have all the tools to be a future Manchester United number one.
United should find Harrison a loan this summer
After the showing against Chester, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see some loan interest arrive for Harrison. He certainly impressed the on-lookers in the stands and the Chester FC X account frequently praised him during their live coverage.
If a loan offer does arrive from the lower English divisions, it would be the sensible thing to sanction the loan as it would be far more beneficial for his development.
He’s ready for the jump up in competition and at 18, he’s the perfect age to start getting minutes, with any chance of senior football at United slim for the time being.
That being said, if he develops into the player many envision he can be, United might already have Andre Onana’s successor at the club.
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