'Brilliant' - Manchester United summer signing finally makes debut after eight months injured

There was a new face in the Manchester United U18 squad when they faced Liverpool over the weekend. James Overy was one of the talented teenagers who moved to United last summer when the club saw off competition from a number of Premier League sides for his signature.

The 17-year-old opted to join United from Australian side Perth Glory after his family relocated to England, but his dream move soon took an unfortunate turn when he suffered an injury setback.

Overy has spent the majority of his time at the club sidelined through injury but finally made his debut for the club as they drew 2-2 with Liverpool on Saturday. The teenage full-back replaced Godwill Kukonki with 20 minutes remaining and took to social media to reflect on the momentous occasion. "Great feeling to be back after a tough eight months out with injury," he wrote on Instagram.

United will hope to see more from Overy in the months ahead but U18 manager Adam Lawrence is just delighted to see the youngster finally take to the pitch. “It’s been really hard for James because obviously he’s made the move from Australia and he’s a terrific lad first of all," he said.

“But he got injured in pre-season and you can see he’s such a great lad, a great kid and has such good energy and he wanted to be back. A real credit to him because he stayed positive throughout. It’s not affected him in terms of his positivity. And listen, it’s obviously disappointing what’s happened in the game, but for him to be back and playing football again is brilliant."