Manchester United youngster who won prestigious academy award leaves on loan

Manchester United's young goalkeeper Elyh Harrison has completed a move to Chester FC on a season-long loan.

The Manchester Evening News reported earlier this week that United were hopeful of finalising a loan for Harrison and he's now officially joined the National League North side.

Harrison has signed a 12-month loan deal with Chester and it's hoped the temporary spell away in a competitive senior environment will accelerate the next stage of his development. The 18-year-old spent last season playing games for United's Under-21s and Under-18s, and was named Reserve Player of the Year at the end of the campaign for his superb performances.

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The young goalkeeper was brilliant in between the sticks throughout 2023/24 and his shot-stopping display was crucial in the U18s' victory in the PL Cup against Manchester City. Harrison is a ball-playing keeper, whose distribution is a strength. Indeed he did a Cruyff turn with Stockport's striker closing him down at Edgeley Park in the EFL Trophy last year.

There are high hopes for Harrison in the academy and United believe they have a goalkeeper who has the potential to break into the first-team, which will eventually be his target.

Harrison signed his first professional contract with United in March 2023 a year after joining the club from Stevenage Town on a scholarship deal.

The goalkeeper signed his pro deal immediately after celebrating his 17th birthday, which is the earliest possible date a young player can be given pro terms.