Manchester United are keeping tabs on the next big wonderkid to come out of the Championship, that being Coventry City’s George Shepherd.
Back in 2020, Manchester United failed to convince Jude Bellingham to join the club when he was departing Birmingham.
Bryan Robson fumed at United missing out on Bellingham, with the now Real Madrid star being a once-in-a-generation player.
Under Ineos, United have been signing high-potential midfielders from across the world, so as not to miss out on the next Bellingham or Moises Caicedo.
Now, George Shepherd has become the latest target.
Manchester United among clubs trailing Coventry’s George Shepherd
To be 16 and already on the cusp of a first-team Championship debut is always going to be impressive, and for Shepherd, what makes it even more exciting is that he’s doing it for the best team in the league.
Coventry sit top of the Championship and Shepherd has been on the bench for them in recent games. Now, United in Focus understands via Graeme Bailey, that the Red Devils are paying attention.
Shepherd has caught the eye of United at youth level and so are now on his trail.
Compared in style to his Coventry manager Frank Lampard, Shepherd is a hard-working and talented midfielder who likes to break into the box.
United are not alone in having an interest in Shepherd, with Chelsea, Tottenham, Everton and Coventry’s Midlands rivals Aston Villa all keen on the teenager.
Frank Lampard full of praise for George Shepherd
Shepherd has impressed for Coventry’s U21 side, scoring, and this is likely what prompted Lampard to call him up into the senior side.
Speaking afterwards, Lampard told BBC Sport his excitement over Shepherd.
“He’s a Coventry lad, and he loves the club. I kept hearing his name earlier this season and in pre- season, and since being with us, he’s trained great.
“For 16, the way he’s handled the level of the training and his demeanour around the training ground has just made it easy for me to have confidence in him. Hopefully he got a good feeling being on the bench.”
Being on the bench was certainly an excellent experience for Shepherd, as he revealed on his Instagram post-game.
“What a moment/memory for me and my family, to be on the bench for the club I love at 16. To all the players/staff that helped get to this position, I can’t thank you enough SBA.”
United will continue to watch Shepherd, and now fans will also be keeping a keen eye on his progress.
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