Exclusive: Man Utd youngster set for League One loan

Manchester United forward Charlie McNeill is set to join Stevenage on loan, ManchesterWorld understands.

The forward was the subject of interest this summer from several clubs, including in the Premier League, Serie A, Bundesliga and Eredivisie. However, McNeill has opted for a short-term switch to League One, which should provide more regular game time. A loan move to Stevenage is expected to be completed before Friday’s transfer deadline, pending the completion of a medical and the agreement of a few finer details between the clubs.

United and McNeill have been locked in talks for several weeks, with a permanent move discussed, but both parties ultimately decided a loan was best at this stage.

McNeill, who joined United from local rivals Manchester City in 2020, has impressed in the youth ranks, scoring 24 in 20 appearances at under-18 level during his first season with the Red Devils.

The 19-year-old also scored five goals in the club's FA Youth Cup-winning run two seasons ago, and last campaign made his senior debut for United as he came on in the final stages of the Europa League group-stage loss to Real Sociedad. McNeill also spent the second half of last season on loan at Newport County, where he played 20 times.

The attacker hoped for more senior minutes in pre-season, but was only selected in one match by Erik ten Hag this summer - the 3-1 loss to Wrexham. Last week, under-21s manager Travis Binnion admitted it has been difficult to find a place in his side for both McNeill and the highly rated young talent Joe Hugill.

Therefore, United felt a short-term switch to Stevenage could be beneficial at this stage, with McNeill seen as slightly more ready to play first-team football.

The Hertfordshire have started this season in good form and are fifth in League One having picked up 10 points from the opening five matches.