The senior squad of Manchester United has already taken shape before the deadline day arrived which has allowed them time to work on the academy.
The first player to move on loan on deadline day is Elyh Harrison, who has sealed a season-long loan move to Chester FC, club has confirmed.
He follows Rhys Bennett, who joined Fleetwood Town earlier, and joins this season’s loan army including Joe Hugill and Radek Vitek.
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The 18-year-old goalkeeper joined United in 2022 from Stevenage as a 16-year-old and has gone from strength to strength at Old Trafford.
Elyh Harrison to Chester FC
Harrison has flown through the youth ranks with remarkable quality in goal which made it essential that he was challenged further this season.
He was named Denzil Haroun Reserve Player of the Year in the 2023/24 season despite barely turning 18, as his skills in goal made him a standout prospect.
His ball-playing abilities make him an archetypal modern goalkeeper and he combined those with excellent shot-stopping skills and communication.
He won a treble with the youth team last season and starred against Chester in a pre-season friendly before this season began.
That performance probably convinced his now-team of his qualities and he should presumably be the No. 1 there upon his arrival.
What to expect from Harrison at Chester
Chester FC play in National League North, the sixth tier of English football so Harrison should get plenty of playing time.
In addition, the physicality of non-league should challenge him well as this is his first taste of senior football.
Their next game is vs Peterborough Sports and it is likely that Harrison starts in goal for that one so all eyes will be on him because he has shown the quality to be a genuine first-team player in the future for United.
He can look up to Dean Henderson as an inspiration who joined then-National League North side Stockport County on loan in 2016, before making his way up the divisions to eventually play for Manchester United.
He is now an international goalkeeper and No. 1 for Crystal Palace so Harrison should aim to do the same.
For now, his focus will be on Chester and standing out by continuing to display his skills in senior football which made him stand out in youth football.
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