Manchester United youth star signs first professional contract

Manchester United youngster Gabriele Biancheri has signed his first professional contract with the club.

The young striker signed a scholarship deal at Old Trafford in January after leaving Cardiff City. United paid a six-figure compensation fee to the Welsh side.

The Reds intended to hand the teenager a professional contract once he turned 17 and wasted no time in doing so, with the contract signed on his birthday on Monday.

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Alongside a picture of himself signing the contract, Biancheri wrote on social media: "Very proud moment for me and my family signing my first professional contract".

Biancheri was dropped straight into United's Under-18 side upon signing, and the striker scored four minutes into his debut in March. United will have used their inside knowledge to land the promising youngster before other teams circled, thanks to development coach David Hughes.

Hughes was Cardiff's academy manager between July 2021 and July 2022, a period in which Biancheri made a name for himself by appearing for the Bluebirds' Under-21 side. He earned the call-up after bagging an outstanding 17 goals in 11 matches at Under-16 level.

Biancheri has also been capped by Wales at youth level, playing five times for the Under-17s. There is high hope that the teenager can become a fully-fledged international and rise through the ranks at United.

Erik ten Hag has shown a willingness to integrate youth talent into his team, with Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo both in the Dutchman's first-team plans for this season.

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