Manchester United are said to be keen on adding 16-year-old Welsh midfielder Cruz Allen to their blossoming youth ranks, but who is he?
Manchester United currently have one of the best youth set-ups in England, with the under-18s sitting top of the U18 Premier League. The U18 side showed how dominant they are on Saturday in a 5-1 win over Southampton in the PL Cup.
However, a team can never have enough top-class prospects which is why we constantly see United linked with moves for some of the country’s best kids, such as Chris Rigg over the past year.
Now, it is a Derby County prospect who has caught the eye as United are set to face stern competition to sign their target.
The Sun has reported that Erik ten Hag‘s side are eyeing up 16-year-old Cruz Allen. Derby are said to be braced to receive interest in the Wales youth star as his electric form has alerted United along with Chelsea and Newcastle United to his potential.
Here is everything you need to know about the youngster.
Who is Cruz Allen?
Allen is a 16-year-old Welsh midfielder currently playing for Derby County’s under-18s in the U18 Premier League. In seven games this season he has scored three and assisted three which explains the interest United have.
The talented youngster has featured four times for Wales’ under-17 team, scoring twice in his four caps as per Transfermarkt.
The midfielder has been tearing it up and the interest in him from not one but three top sides explains just how highly rated he is right now.
He currently has a contract which will expire on June 30th 2025, however, it is expected that there won’t be a date which is stuck to as it’s likely he will either be sold or get a professional contract.
He only became a player for the U18s at the beginning of this season and has already received a call-up to the PL 2 which should shed some light on how valued he is by Derby.
Where would Allen fit in for United’s U18s?
Allen would arrive at Carrington to bolster a U18 midfield group already brimming with talent and would face serious competition to shine.
He would compete for game time with Finley McAllister, Jack Moorhouse, Jack Fletcher, Tyler Fletcher, Zach Baumann, Jacob Devaney, Ruben Curley and the exciting Jayce Fitzgerald who is tipped for the top.
However, despite this being a great group, only the best will make it at United, so if Allen can be here he absolutely should be signed.
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