Manchester United are believed to be closing in on the signing of 16-year-old Derby County goalkeeper Charlie Hardy, even after bringing in Senne Lammens this summer. With Andre Onana out on loan and long-serving Tom Heaton nearing the end of his contract, the Red Devils are planning a major shake-up between the sticks as they look toward the future.

• Table of Contents

  Toggle

  Man Utd set to sign 16-year-old Charlie Hardy

  Hardy, who has represented England at the Under-16 level, is finalising a move to Old Trafford as per The Sun. The teenage goalkeeper made his Derby Under-18 debut at just 15 and has been tipped as one of the brightest young stoppers in the country. He was even on the bench against United's own Under-18 side whe he was only 14.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Man Utd's goalkeeper merry-go-round

  United's goalkeeping setup has been in constant transition, with home-grown talents struggling to secure long-term first-team roles. Dean Henderson briefly took the No.1 spot in 2021, but David de Gea quickly reclaimed it, and no academy product has become established since – you have to go back decades to find the club's last home-grown permanent starting goalkeeper.

  Onana loaned to Trabzonspor and third choice Heaton out of contract next summer and pushing 40, further changes are expected.

• Young goalkepers at Man Utd currently

  The Red Devils also signed Lammens from Royal Antwerp on deadline day, though the 23-year-old has yet to feature, despite settling well and impressing behind the scenes. Meanwhile, Radek Vitek and Elyh Harrison are both gaining experience out on loan at clubs in the EFL pyramid.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  INEOS and Man Utd's goalkeeper overhaul

  A deal for Hardy is expected to be completed soon, adding another highly-rated young goalkeeper to the system, albeit one who could be a way off senior minutes. United's long-term aim is to build a competitive and sustainable goalkeeping unit after years of instability. For now, the focus is on Lammens' development and whether Hardy can grow into a first-team option in the years ahead.

Tags: Futebol
Category: News