Manchester United have endured a difficult opening to Michael Carrick’s first full season in charge at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils collected four points from their opening four Premier League fixtures and failed to keep a clean sheet.
United strengthened their midfield considerably during the summer after Casemiro left the club.
Carlos Baleba arrived from Brighton for £65 million plus add-ons, while Andrey Santos joined from Chelsea for £48 million.
Youri Tielemans completed the midfield overhaul with a £35 million move from Aston Villa.
Meanwhile, United’s academy has attracted considerable attention following the uncertainty surrounding 15-year-old JJ Gabriel.
Gabriel has asked United to cancel his registration, despite previously being considered for first-team involvement under Carrick.
However, the club have now secured the future of another promising academy player with a professional agreement.
Manchester United officially confirmed Dante Plunkett has signed a professional contract with the club.
The 18-year-old joined United’s academy from Aston Villa in July 2024 and has established himself within the Under-18 setup.
Plunkett primarily operates at left-back but can also play further forward on the wing. He has registered two goals and five assists across 32 appearances for United’s Under-18 side.
His progress also earned him an opportunity to train with the senior team for the first time in February 2025.
Plunkett received his first Jamaica call-up in May and joined their squad for the Unity Cup final against Nigeria.
United have also confirmed professional contracts for fellow academy players Fred Heath and Will Murdock.
Heath travelled with the senior squad to Ireland during pre-season and currently features within United’s Under-21 setup.
Murdock, a Northern Ireland Under-19 international, has signed his second professional contract with the club. He recently featured in United’s 4-1 Premier League 2 victory over Leicester City.
The three agreements come as United continue developing their academy structure alongside Carrick’s senior squad rebuild.
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