Manchester United officially sign 9 players

Manchester United have been busy reshaping their squad ahead of the new season, with Michael Carrick adding several new faces to his first-team ranks.

The Reds have already strengthened in midfield with Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.

United have also brought in Karl Darlow as Senne Lammens’ deputy as the club continues to make changes across the squad.

With the first team taking shape, attention is now turning towards the players who could eventually make the same journey from Carrington to Old Trafford.

That pathway has produced some of the biggest names in United history, and another group of youngsters have now been rewarded for their progress.

Manchester United confirm signing of 9 players

Manchester United have confirmed, via their website, that nine Academy players will sign first-year professional contracts this summer.

The group includes Jacob Watson, Neithan Barbosa, Albert Mills, Louie Bradbury, Charlie Hardy, Cameron Byrne-Hughes, Jayden Ngwashi, Nathaniel-Junior Brown and Rafe McCormack.

Jacob Watson enjoyed a strong campaign at the heart of the Under-18 defence, making 23 appearances across all competitions and two more for the Under-21s.

The Chester-born defender also received an England Under-17 call-up in March.

Mills was one of Darren Fletcher’s most trusted players last season.

The Chorlton-born centre-back made 35 appearances, was nominated for the U18 Premier League Player of the Year award and also featured for the Under-21s.

He made his England Under-18 debut in May during a 2-1 victory over Greece in Cyprus.

Brown was the most-used player in Fletcher’s Under-18 side, making 35 appearances during the campaign.

McCormack, meanwhile, impressed while switching between defence and midfield.

The Bradford-born youngster made 33 Under-18 appearances, scoring three goals, before adding seven outings for the Under-21s.

Bradbury provided plenty of attacking excitement, scoring nine goals for the Under-18s and another two for the Under-21s.

He also has international experience with Wales, including a memorable Under-16 debut in 2024 when he scored a hat-trick as a 15-year-old.

Barbosa offers another attacking option.

Born in Lisbon, the forward grew up playing football in Leeds and previously spent time with Doncaster Rovers before progressing through United’s Academy after stepping up from the Under-16s.

The group also contains two young goalkeepers.

Hardy joined United from Derby County as a 16-year-old last December, while Byrne-Hughes shared goalkeeping duties with Fred Heath for much of the Under-18 Premier League season.

Byrne-Hughes was particularly important during the FA Youth Cup run, starting every match as United reached the final against Manchester City.

Ngwashi’s route has been less straightforward.

The 17-year-old, who can operate in defence or midfield, suffered a serious injury in November that kept him out for several months before he returned in April.

He still managed appearances for both the Under-18s and Under-21s during 2025/26.

The nine contracts underline United’s continued commitment to developing young players and keeping the academy pathway firmly connected to the first team.