COVERITLIVE.COM

12:55

TBRock - I'm starting this one a bit early because I may have to duck out before we're finished. Anyway, as I said yesterday, I would like to begin this live chat by focusing on the youth currently employed by Manchester United.

12:56

TBRock - With the recent news regarding our potential acquisitions, I keep finding myself wondering what the overall plan is for United. Our academy is certainly stocked with talented young players, and Solskjaer had definitely taken a shine to his coaching role.

12:57

TBRock - But what should we make of the new trend of signing increasingly younger footballers? Is it good for the game, as it shines a light on these youngsters and (to some extent) brings money to South Ameria/African/wherever clubs.

12:57

TBRock - Or is it merely the exploitation of naive youngsters for corporate gain?

12:59

[Comment From William]
Didn't United sign a 9 year old? That's a bit ridiculous right?

12:59

TBRock - They didn't actually sign him, as that would be illegal. They offered him a trial with the academy, and his family opted to move all the way from Australia to make it happen.

1:00	TBRock - And that's a bit different, because the boy's family sent United a DVD highlight reel. Thus, they actively pursued the situation.

1:01	TBRock - With the likes of Dodo and Pogba, United are pursuing the youngsters and offering them fame and fortune. Some would argue that when those dreams don't materialize, a free transfer to a League 2 side isn't quite as appealing.

1:02	TBRock - Couple that with claims that big European clubs are capitalizing on the weakness of other leagues, and you get a sense of the problem.

1:03	TBRock - But, from all accounts, Rhain Davis (now 10) is performing quite well for the academy. They keep all youth training very hush-hush, but he's been kept on for another year... at the very least.

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