Man Utd closing in on signing another goalkeeper with overhaul planned

MANCHESTER UNITED are in the process of signing teenage goalkeeper Charlie Hardy from Derby County.

Hardy, 16, has played five times for England Under 16s and is going through formalities to complete a move to United.

Hardy was named on the bench against United U18s when he was only 14 last year and made his debut for Derby U18s at the age of 15.

As a category one scholar, Hardy can move to another English club at any time over the course of the season.

Former United youth team coach Neil Ryan gave Hardy his England U15 debut in 2024 and Ryan was in attendance for United U21s’ 2-1 Premier League International Cup win against Athletic Bilbao at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.

Homegrown United goalies have struggled to establish themselves as first-teamers at the club.

Dean Henderson was briefly United’s No.1 in the Premier League in 2021 before David de Gea reclaimed his place the following season.

Henderson was the first academy-bred number one at United since Gary Walsh in 1987.

Two of United’s academy ‘keepers are currently on loan at Football League clubs.

FA Youth Cup winner Radek Vitek, 21, has started in all six of Bristol City’s Championship matches while 19-year-old Elyh Harrison has been ever-present for League Two strugglers Shrewsbury Town.

There is set to be more churn in the United goalkeeping department next summer.

Andre Onana is already on a season-long loan at Trabzonspor, Tom Heaton turns 40 and is out of contract next year and training goalie Dermot Mee is likely to be released.

United signed Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp on transfer deadline day but he is yet to make his first appearance for the club.

The 23-year-old could be included as an overage player for the under 21s in one of their upcoming Football League Trophy or Premier League International Cup ties.