Manchester United make training call with loanee Elyh Harrison ahead of Europa League clash

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Manchester United still clearly have high hopes for young goalkeeper Elyh Harrison, who briefly returned to Carrington.

Elyh Harrison was one of Manchester United’s standout players at academy level in 2023/24, impressing in goal for the under-21s.

Harrison won United’s Reserve Team Player of the Year Award, and he was a little unlucky not to travel on the pre-season tour.

By this time plans were ongoing to send Harrison on loan, with a deal reached for the young goalkeeper to sign with Chester on a season long loan.

Harrison had impressed in a pre-season friendly for the under-21s against Chester.

Elyh Harrison back at Carrington

Elyh Harrison was back at Carrington this week as Manchester United prepared for the Europa League clash against FC Twente.

As per terms of the agreement, Harrison is eligible to train at Manchester United, and is not just tied to Chester.

Per Manchester World, Harrison was part of the first team group training ahead of the Europa League game, one of four goalkeepers.

He joined Andre Onana, Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton. Dermot Mee was unavailable as he was travelling to Doncaster for the EFL Trophy game with the under-21s.

This was a good chance for Harrison to mix among first team regulars, take a break from his loan spell, and feel connected to United.

He would not be eligible to feature in the Europa Legaue due to his loan spell, but this was great experience regardless – and a sign of how valuably United regard him, that he was brought back to train under Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff.

How Elyh Harrison is faring on loan

Elyh Harrison has been a regular for non-league Chester so far, starting all four league games since his move went through in late August.

Harrison has two clean sheets in those opening four matches, a really strong start, and he has been praised by his manager for adapting so quickly.

His next fixture could be in the FA Cup qualifying round this weekend when Chester take on Stockton.

It is unusual for United to send an 18-year-old on loan, and the decision serves to underline how highly thought of he is, and the need to push his development.

Breaking through as a goalkeeper is not easy, but United have a plan for Harrison, and are clearly paying close attention despite him being out on loan.