Manchester United are preparing to make wholesale recruitment changes during this summer’s upcoming transfer window – and have already tempted a promising youngster to join their academy’s ranks.
February saw Sir Jim Ratcliffe‘s purchase of a minority share in the club to takeover football operations at Old Trafford, and since then, the INEOS billionaire has been preparing for squad overhaul during his first transfer window.
While a question mark hangs over Erik ten Hag‘s head as the club’s hierarchy carry out their internal review on the 2023-24 season, Man United are gearing up for busy window which could see all but three major stars put in the shop window.
But investments are being made at every level of the club, with Man United’s academy also accepting new players into their ranks.
The club is believed to have recruited talented teenager Silva Mexes, 14, from newly promoted Ipswich Town.
Silva Mexes has signed for Manchester United’s academy in a bid to emulate his famous father
The 14-year-old previously played in the ranks of Ipswich Town’s academy as a forward
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As well as dazzling on the pitch, the young forward is also the 100m sprint champion at under-13 level for Essex.
‘Very proud moment for me and my family to announce my signing for Man United,’ Mexes wrote on Instagram. ‘Thank you for everyone who has helped me on my journey so far (prayer hands). The work starts now.’
But for some Premier League fans, Mexes’ famous father might also offer a clue as to where his talents have sprung from.
Mexes is the son of former Premier League striker Robert Earnshaw, who featured for West Bromwich Albion, Norwich City, Derby County, and Nottingham Forest during his nealy 28-year career.
Earnshaw even previously scored at Old Trafford while playing for the Baggies, netting a penalty during a 1-1 draw against the Red Devils in 2005.
Mexes joins the academy as one of a number of sons of famous players.
Darren Fletcher’s twin sons Jack and Tyler signed their first professional contracts with the club in April a year after joining the academy from rivals Manchester City.
Kai Rooney, son of Wayne, also signed a contract with his father’s former club upon the family’s return from Washington DC in 2020.
Rooney Snr understandably couldn’t conceal his pride when his son signed for United and Kai – a forward, naturally – smashed the club’s under-12 season goalscoring record with 56.
Mexes is the son of former West Bromwich Albion striker Robert Earnshaw (pictured in 2004)
The Wales international (left, with Craig Bellamy in 2006) also featured for Derby and forest
Last year, he helped United beat City to win the Under-13 National Cup North by scoring a goal in a 2-0 win and he already has a tie-up with sports brand Puma.
For Man United academy players, a chance to tilt at a first-team place looks more possible than ever following the explosive breakthroughs of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.
The two teenagers became the first since Cristiano Ronaldo to score in an FA Cup final, who netted in the 2004 final.
Both Mainoo and Garnacho are thought to be safe in Man United’s planned summer clear-out, with the new ownership keen to invest in their futures.
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