Manchester United have signed highly-rated 15-year-old Harrison Parker after the prodigy left Arsenal during the summer
According to the Daily Star, there is confirmation of Harrison Parker signing up for Manchester United’s academy after the teenage prodigy took it to Instagram and posted his signing pictures.
Manchester United’s gain is Arsenal loss in the context of Harrison Parker. The 15-year-old, highly-rated centre back decided to leave the Gunners’ academy and has since courted interest from some of the biggest clubs in England. However, he has chosen to sign-up with the Red Devils’ academy and continue his development there.
The reasons for Parker leaving the Arsenal academy remains unclear. The club has certainly produced some great talents in the last many years, such as Jack Wilshere, Emile Smith Rowe, Bukayo Saka. It is worth pointing out that not many defenders, specifically centre-backs, have come out into the first-team.
Alternatively, Parker would have wanted a different environment to aid his developmental years, and Manchester United do hold a great reputation for nurturing talents. Upon leaving Arsenal, Parker was invited on trial by his new side and seemingly impressed the coaches at the academy.
It has been reported that as part of his trial period, Parker travelled with other prospects to Northern Ireland for the prestigious Milk Cup. Marking its 30th anniversary since its inception in 1991, Manchester United made the best of it and won the Under-16 section of the youth tournament by defeating Scottish side Hearts.
His performances in the side impressed United academy coaches, and a decision was made to sign Parker up. The club faced intense competition from England’s biggest side as they chased the youngster when his exit from Arsenal was confirmed.
During the summer, United also signed Ethan Ennis from Liverpool, a highly-rated prospect around the English circles. They are also linked with a move for Aston Villa teenager Carney Chukwuemeka, which could materialise in the next phase.
As for Parker, it remains to be seen if Manchester United are due some compensation towards Arsenal. However, the club have got their hands on one of the brightest prospects in English football and could now look forward to developing him for future teams.
