Radcliffe FC officially sign Manchester United midfielder

Radcliffe FC have continued to establish themselves in the upper reaches of non-league football after earning promotion to the National League North in 2024.

The Greater Manchester club secured their place in the sixth tier by winning the Northern Premier League Premier Division.

It ended Radcliffe’s two-decade absence from that level and represented a major moment in the club’s recent history.

However, the Boro have endured a difficult start to the new season and are already looking to climb the table.

Radcliffe have now officially signed Manchester United midfielder Finley McAllister, with the 20-year-old joining on an initial one-month loan.

The move will allow McAllister to experience senior football for the first time after spending his career inside United’s academy.

Born in Salford, McAllister has been with the Red Devils from a young age and signed his first professional contract in 2023.

He has since progressed into United’s Under-21s, becoming a regular presence in midfield over the last two campaigns.

However, McAllister is perhaps best known for captaining the club’s hugely successful Under-18 side during the 2023/24 season.

The young Reds won the Under-18 Premier League North before beating Chelsea in the national final and also lifting the Under-18 Premier League Cup.

Finley McAllister was at the heart of that success, demonstrating the leadership qualities which Radcliffe highlighted in their announcement.

The midfielder has also represented England and was selected for the Under-17 World Cup in Indonesia in November 2023.

He marked his tournament debut with a goal and an assist as England defeated New Caledonia 10-0.

The Young Lions ultimately reached the round of 16, where they were eliminated following a 2-1 defeat against Uzbekistan.

In their official announcement, Radcliffe praised McAllister’s “precise passing range, elite leadership qualities and outstanding work rate”.

Those qualities could make him an important addition as the Boro attempt to improve their form and move up the National League North table.

The loan should also provide a valuable test for McAllister, with senior football offering a very different challenge to Premier League 2.

McAllister will wear the number 34 shirt and was immediately made available for selection against Hebburn Town at the Neuven Stadium.

A strong month with Radcliffe could represent an important next step as the midfielder attempts to move closer to United’s senior team.