Manchester United have handed two of Manchester City’s teenagers, Edward Elewa-Ikpakwu and Ellis Simms, trials at the club
Manchester Evening News (MEN) have reported that Manchester United have handed trials to Edward Elewa-Ikpakwu and Ellis Simms, who are both a part of Manchester City’s youth academy. The Red Devils have been on a recruitment spree to bolster their youth squad and seem to have taken the duo on trials with the aim of adding them to their ranks.
The duo were handed an appearance for the under-17 squad in a 3-1 friendly win over Everton under-17s. The two teenagers were named on the bench for the game that took place behind closed doors at Altrincham and it has been reported that both the players have also featured for the club’s Under-16 squad over the weekend.
Elewa-Ikpakwu and Simms are both English internationals at various youth levels. While the former has received call-ups to the England under-16 squad in August 2016, Simms has represented England at the under-15 level.
Edward Elewa-Ikpakwu is a highly rated Manchester City defender, who is eligible to play for both England and Nigeria. The 15-year-old is predominantly a central defender and has been impressive in his outings for the Citizens at various youth levels.
Nigeria Set To Battle England Over Manchester City Youngster Elewa-Ikpakwu –
https://t.co/rhML4qeBCYHighly-r… pic.twitter.com/08JpdZZd4d
— Nigeriasoccernet.com (@Nigeriasocernet) September 7, 2016
Ellis Simms, on the other hand, is a 15-year-old player who plays predominantly as a winger. Both Ikpakwu and Simms are part of the Manchester City’s under-18 roster and are highly regarded in the setup.
The two Manchester clubs seem to be at loggerheads, with the duo continuously linked with poaching attempts for players and staff members of their rival. Manchester City have been dominating United in the results at various youth levels but, in terms of recruitment, Manchester United have been making some impressive inroads.
However, Manchester City dealt a huge blow to their rivals as they snapped up Yeboah Amankwah, who was a on trial at Manchester United, and was largely expected to join the Red Devils. And, this seems like a retaliation of sorts by the red half of Manchester.
It would be interesting to see if Manchester United do end up offering either or both the teenagers a place in their youth ranks but, the rivalry between the two seems to be gathering pace as they both vie to be the top club in, not only Manchester, but the whole of England.
