Manchester United complete signing of Derby County Under-16 goalkeeper Charlie Hardy | OneFootball

Manchester United have completed the signing of Derby County Under-16 goalkeeper Charlie Hardy, according to The Athletic.

The Red Devils have been scouring England for talented youngsters with the potential to become first-team players.

Man United believe Hardy fits the bill, and he will join the Darren Fletcher-managed under-18s.

He completed the Premier League’s five-step process for registering academy players yesterday and will proceed to sign a scholarship.

Hardy, who has played five times for England’s under-16s, will be eligible to sign a professional contract with Man United when he turns 17 next July.

He spent nine years in the youth set-up of the Championship club, making his debut for their under-18s aged 15.

He was able to join the Red Devils’ academy due to his status as a category one scholar.

The Red Devils signed Belgian goalie Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp on summer transfer deadline day to solve their problem in the position.

The decision has proven smart so far as the 23-year-old has been an upgrade on Andre Onana, but the club are already preparing for the future.

United think Hardy is capable of becoming a top Premier League goalkeeper, and he will be keen to prove himself.

He needs to establish himself as a regular for the Man United under-18s and then work his way into the first-team training sessions.

Manager Ruben Amorim has shown that he will give young players a chance if they are good enough, as evidenced by teenage attacker JJ Gabriel featuring in a training match with the first team yesterday.

Hardy could be next, and he will look to show Fletcher what he is capable of doing in the coming weeks.