Man Utd winger James Bailey confirms he has signed for new club after Red Devils release

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Manchester United academy winger James Bailey has formally left the club to pursue his career elsewhere.

James Bailey signed for Manchester United from Burnley in 2021.

He made a positive early impression for the academy and made his under-18s debut under Travis Binnion in 2023, when he was only 15.

The young winger caught the eye with his shooting ability and creativity, and went on to make his under-21s debut in 2025.

But he was recently included on United’s released list, along with Sonny Aljofree and Malachi Sharpe.

Bailey has chosen to sign a deal with League Two side Stockport County, signing his first professional deal.

James Bailey impressed at Stockport

James Bailey had been training with Stockport and playing for their academy team in the weeks towards the end of the season.

He had scored two goals and provided three assists for United’s under-18s this season, featuring early in the FA Youth Cup run.

Now his move to Stockport is official, signing a two-year contract with the club.

Stockport’s head of emerging talent Vinil Joseph said: “James is a player we have tracked for a considerable period of time.

“He is a tenacious midfielder who combines a strong competitive edge with excellent technical quality, highlighted by a fantastic left foot.

“We believe he possesses attributes required to thrive in a senior environment and continue his development at the club.”

James Bailey excited by new opportunity

James Bailey turned 18 in December, and from a practical perspective, it did not look like there were any first team opportunities were opening up for him at Manchester United.

There have been players who have seen their development stutter by staying too long in the academy, so Bailey is making the right move to leave now and sign with a club where he stands a better chance of first team progression.

Writing on Instagram, Bailey wrote: “Happy to of signed my first professional contract at @stockportcounty, New beginnings, Happy to get started.”

United academy colleagues Chido Obi, Samuel Lusale, Jacob Devaney, Dante Plunkett and Bassirou Nkoto were among those who wished him good luck in response.