Manchester United recruitment overhaul taking shape as teenage striker becomes fourth signing

Teenage striker Camron Mpofu has confirmed he has now officially signed for Manchester United from Reading.

The 15-year-old took to social media on Wednesday to confirm his Old Trafford switch, where he will join the club's academy ahead of the new season.

United had to go through a Premier League process to finalise a deal for the youngster, who has represented both England and Scotland at international level. He will initially play for United at U16s level.

Posting on social media, Mpofu wrote: “I’m proud to officially announce my signing for @manchesterunited. I’d like to thank everyone who has helped me on this journey so far, especially my family,the coaches and staff @readingfc The hard work continues.”

ManchesterWorld revealed last month how United's recruitment overhaul was already taking shape with four new signings lined up at academy level. Ipswich Town striker Silva Mexes, who is the son of Wales great Robert Earnshaw, has already posed with his contract at the club's Carrington training ground, while they have also completed the signing of James Overy after his family left Australia for England. They have already completed the signing of Aston Villa defender Dante Plunkett after a successful trial period with the club.

While there has always been a clamour for homegrown talent, the demand has skyrocketed in recent years following the introduction of Brexit regulations that make it impossible to sign players aged under 18 from Europe. Another contributing factor are the strict financial fair play restraints which have led to an emphasis on identifying elite talent as early as possible in order to save money.

Under these rules clubs can recruit players from anywhere in the UK at the age of 16, while there are also no restrictions on signing players above the age of 14 as long as compensation packages are paid and there is a full-time training model in place.