Manchester United continue to strengthen their youth academy as it has been one of the shining lights despite the senior team’s form falling off a cliff last season.
After Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho’s emergence under Erik ten Hag, and Willy Kambwala also staking a claim, the pre-season will be a chance for youngsters to follow their footsteps.
The likes of Ethan Wheatley have already gained some first-team minutes after impressing in the youth academy and now another youngster has been rewarded.
First professional contract for U18s defensive rock
Manchester United U18s had a remarkable season last year, winning the league while losing only one game, which bodes well for the future.
Ethan Wheatley was the attacking star but in defence, Jack Kingdon came on leaps and bounds, eventually wearing the captain’s armband on two occasions and earning a call-up to first-team training.
Now, he has been rewarded with his first professional contract since joining the club for a six-figure sum at the age of just 14.
He will attempt to follow in the footsteps of Mainoo, Garnacho, and Kambwala and is expected to travel with the senior team for pre-season.
Who is Jack Kingdon?
Kingdon comes as a highly-rated prospect as he once played for Morecambe U18s at just 14 years old. He is the archetypal modern centre-back with his ball-playing abilities honed by playing as a striker and midfielder in his early days in football.
He holds a gold medal in 75m, 150m, and 600m sprints at the Bolton United Harriers championships, indicating his ability to play a high line in defence due to his pace.
Standing at 6’1″ he combines his great pace with physicality as well in a frame that should fill out as he progresses into the senior team setup.
United are looking to sign Matthijs de Ligt to strengthen their defence but with the future of Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire uncertain, and Raphael Varane departing, more reinforcements are needed.
Jack Kingdon can be the in-house solution to a problem position while continuing Ten Hag’s remarkable record of bringing through a youth academy graduate each season.