Manchester United have added James Overy to their academy ranks. So just who is he?
The Red Devils officially completed the signing of youngster Overy on Monday, after offering him a scholarship deal last month. The club were ‘hopeful’ that he would decide to join the academy, and now that has come to fruition.
Overy is expected to be integrated into the Under-18s next season, and will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho by featuring for the Manchester United first-team squad in a few years time.
So just who is he? How good is he? United in Focus take a deeper dive into the life and footballing career of Avery.
Who is James Overy?
Overy is a professional footballer, who has just signed for Manchester United, as reported by the Manchester Evening News. Initially playing for Perth Glory, he attracted the attention of English clubs, including West Ham who he faced, with some fine displays down under at just 15 years old.
He then departed Australian side Perth Glory last year and his family relocated to the south of England. When moving to the UK, he began playing for the Newton Abbot Spurs’ first team – where he continued to impress on the pitch.
Away from the pitch, he is labelled as “A wonderfully polite and humble young man,” by former coach Marc Revell (via Mid Devon Advertiser).
He further adds: “Also his ability to listen and take instructions regardless of his superior quality in the level he was playing at with us, albeit brief, he still remained very grounded and played the way he was asked.” Revell even joked that he’d “Like to think Newton Spurs had some bearing on [him], but I really doubt it has.”
How old is James Overy?
Overy is currently at the time of writing 16 years old. He was born in 2007.
Where is James Overy from?
He was born in Australia. However, he is eligible to play for Australia or England.
What position does James Overy play?
He is a right-back, who loves to get forward. His former coach said: “He is very much of an attacking wingback, suited to today’s modern game where the fullback spends most of their time in the opponent’s half.”
Revell also compared him to Tottenham Hotspur’s Pedro Porro, with similar players of yesteryear being Roberto Carlos and Cafu. Watch out Diogo Dalot.
How good is James Overy?
Revell, a former coach, spoke very highly of him. He described him as: “Tenacious, aggressive going forward and very skilful with a great technique.”
He has all the qualities to be a sensational talent around Old Trafford. The Manchester United academy will look after him. Take a look at some of his highlights below.