Charlie McNeill: All You Need to Know About Man Utd's New Young Goal Machine

Manchester United finally got up and running in this summer's transfer window with the recent signing of Donny van de Beek.

In case you hadn't noticed, the Red Devils are also after a few other players as well, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to build a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League title. Most notably, United's interest in Jadon Sancho has become...well, common knowledge, but the saga is continuing to drag on and on.

But for all of Solskjaer and indeed United fans' frustrations with regards to first team signings, the Premier League giants have been very busy strengthening the youth team squads. Marc Jurado and Alvaro Fernandez were finally officially confirmed as new arrivals by United on Friday, with the pair joining after departing Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively. Isak Hansen-Aarøen will also join, while they have also won the race for Atletico Madrid's Alejandro Garnacho.

But they aren't done there. Instead they now have another to add to their ranks - and he's actually a former United player.

They have agreed a deal to re-sign Charlie McNeill from rivals Manchester City. Despite his age, the striker will come with a big reputation, considering his form at youth level. But as you read this, you may be sat there wondering, who on earth is this 17-year-old and why he is so highly rated?

Well, fear not, because 90min have you covered...

1. He Left Man Utd for Man City

McNeill actually began his career at United, working his way up through the ranks alongside the likes of Mason Greenwood. But he opted to make the controversial switch to Man City six years ago for around £12,000 as he looked to take his career to the next stage.

It's safe to say it has worked out reasonably well for him so far.

The teenager has developed into a pretty complete striker, while his performances have also seen him called up to the England Under-16s squad a number of times already.

But after six years with the Sky Blues, McNeill opted not to extend his stay with the club and instead seek a new adventure.

2. He's a Man Utd Fan

Initially departing Man Utd to join Man City will have been hard enough for fans in red to take, but to make matters worse, McNeill is actually a United fan himself.

But after six years away, he has decided to make the return home. During his time with City, however, he did come up against his former club - and, well....he ran the show.

Playing for the Under-16s, he scored twice and assisted the other two goals in a 4-1 win over the Red Devils back in March of 2019. Not bad for his reputation, but it wouldn't have gone down well within the United camp, would it?

One goal saw him pick up the ball wide on the left, cut inside and unleash a beautifully curled effort into the top right corner. It was a special goal, but the outcome was inevitable as soon as he cut infield, such is his finishing ability.

3. His Goalscoring Record at Youth Level Is Beyond Ridiculous

A youngster's goalscoring record at youth level doesn't tell the complete story.

But when a player scores over 600 goals in different age groups...then it's clear just how special a talent he is. No, no, you did read that correct. 600 goals!

A natural born finisher, McNeill knows where the goal is without needing to look up, instead he ruthlessly fires home. Sure, he's clinical in and around the box, but he's also more than capable of the spectacular.

Goals from the halfway line are made to seem almost....easy by McNeill, while among his best goals to date is a simply outrageous chip from the edge of the box which just effortlessly floated over the goalkeeper's head and into the top corner.

The best part? It wasn't even bad goalkeeping, it was just perfect striking play.

Now, you may be wondering, how is it even possible to score that many goals in that amount of time? Well, to give you an idea, the two-footed McNeill netted 110 goals and contributed 38 assists in just 72 matches when in City's Under-15s side.

That's just the 148 goal contributions in 72 matches. So, nothing major really.

4. He Idolises CR7 & Robert Lewandowski

Considering his beyond human goalscoring figures, it is perhaps easy to overlook some of McNeill's other appealing attributes as a forward. Indeed, he is a complete attacker who is more than capable of linking attacks and darting into space, while comparisons have also been made with Wayne Rooney in regards to the way he drops deep to collect the ball.

But perhaps what is one of his most promising traits is his mental strength and hunger to never be completely satisfied with what he already has. As a result, it won't come as much of a surprise to see the Times report that McNeill idolises Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski.

Always searching for more and looking at ways to improve, McNeill has the talent with the ball at his feet - but also the mentality to become a top footballer.

5. Why He Left Man City

After six years with the club, McNeill opted not to sign a new deal with City as he was said to be growing frustrated with his lack of opportunities at a higher level.

Indeed, he found opportunities hard to come by in the Sky Blues' Under-18s, managing just eight appearances. The Manchester Evening News report that McNeill is said to see a clearer pathway to the first team with United than at City.

Of course, the Red Devils have built up a famous reputation with regards to first team opportunities for academy graduates.

McNeill is expected to join United's Under-18s set-up rather than the Under-23s, partially due to the long-term injury suffered by D'Mani Mellor. However, should he settle quickly and continue his progression, he could soon make the step up.

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