Manchester United winger secretly joins rivals

Manchester United’s academy has welcomed several exciting young talents over the past year, but not every prospect is expected to remain at Carrington long enough to make the jump into senior football.

Competition throughout the youth ranks continues to intensify, forcing some highly-rated youngsters to look elsewhere for a clearer pathway.

It now appears one of those exits has quietly taken another step.

Silva Mexes has seemingly confirmed his move away from Manchester United.

Manchester United winger confirms move to rivals

He did this by posting an Instagram story showing himself wearing a full Leeds United kit.

The image appeared to have been taken on a matchday, strongly suggesting the winger has already linked up with his new club despite no official announcement being made.

The development follows reports last month claiming the 16-year-old was closing in on a switch to Elland Road after deciding against extending his stay at Old Trafford.

Leeds are understood to have a long-term development plan in place for the teenager.

The current expectation is that Silva Mexes will begin with the club’s Under-18 and Under-21 squads before gradually working his way towards senior football.

The report said he was expected to initially sign scholarship terms before putting pen to paper on his first professional contract once he turns 17 in early 2027.

Mexes only joined Manchester United a little over a year ago.

The youngster officially completed his move from Ipswich Town in May of 2024, arriving at Carrington with an impressive reputation as one of England’s brightest attacking prospects.

Despite that promise, breaking into United’s increasingly competitive academy structure proved difficult, with opportunities becoming harder to secure.

Leeds, meanwhile, view the winger as much more than a short-term academy addition.

Following a 14th-place finish in their first season back in the Premier League, the Yorkshire club are continuing to invest in young talent capable of becoming part of their long-term future.