Altrincham officially sign former Manchester United midfielder

Manchester United are expected to reshape their midfield options significantly this summer following Casemiro’s departure.

Reports have also suggested that the club are also prepared to accept a loss on Manuel Ugarte should a suitable offer arrive.

Several former United midfielders have already embarked on new chapters in recent months too.

Paul Pogba, for example, completed a high-profile move to AS Monaco last summer as he looked to revive his career in France.

Now, another midfielder with connections to Old Trafford has officially secured a new club ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Altrincham announce Aidan Barlow signing

Altrincham have confirmed the signing of Aidan Barlow following his departure from Rochdale.

The National League side announced the deal via their official website.

Manager Neil Gibson admitted that he wanted to bring the 26-year-old to the club as soon as he became available.

Barlow arrives at the J.Davidson Stadium after helping Rochdale secure promotion back to the Football League through the National League play-offs.

Across two seasons at the Dale, the versatile midfielder made 77 appearances and scored 11 goals.

Capable of operating as a winger, attacking midfielder or as a number eight, Aidan Barlow offers Altrincham significant flexibility in the final third.

Although he has primarily featured in deeper midfield roles in recent years, Barlow was widely regarded as a creative number 10 during his development years.

Only later in his career did he begin adapting to wider and more central midfield positions.

Many supporters will recognise Aidan Barlow from his lengthy spell in Manchester United’s academy, where he spent 14 years after joining the club at the age of six.

He represented England at Under-17 and Under-18 level and also featured prominently for United in the UEFA Youth League before departing in 2020.

Barlow also gained senior experience in Norway with Tromso before later representing Doncaster Rovers, Eastleigh and Rochdale.

Interestingly, the midfielder came up against Manchester United’s Under-21 side in a pre-season friendly while at Rochdale during the summer of 2025.

Altrincham supporters will now hope Barlow’s experience and technical quality can help drive the club forward during the upcoming season.