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The pre-season is a great opportunity for young talent to show off their skills, especially this summer with international duties causing a number of players to still be on leave.
The Copa America and Euro 2024 only wrapped up last week, with Fifpro, the international players union, recommending a rest period of three weeks over the summer, with two weeks for pre-season training.
This means that a lot of first-team players are still on break, with squads relying on their academy graduates and reserves for the pre-season fixtures.
Already we’ve seen Radek Vitek and Joe Hugill shine against Rosenborg and Rangers respectively, with both stars set to go out on loan after returning from the States on tour. United are due to start their tour of the United States on 27th July, taking on Arsenal at SoFi Stadium, home to the Los Angeles Chargers and the Los Angeles Rams.
However, already one young star has shone enough for United to offer the player a new contract ahead of the American tour.
Ethan Ennis’ new contract
19-year-old Ethan Ennis has been named by Erik ten Hag in the squad for the USA tour after some great performances this pre-season. Coming on at half time in both the Rosenborg and Rangers games, Ennis tested the keepers with a range of shots keeping them on their toes.
The star joined the United Academy from rivals Liverpool back in 2021, joining the Under-18s side. While playing in the youth division, Ennis has scored ten goals with three assists in 21 games, also showing off his versatility. The natural right-winger has been used across both wings, as well as striker, left and right midfield, showing his adaptability to play across the pitch.
Signing his first professional contract the moment he turned 17, Ennis is one of few players to be awarded pro contract so young, showing the potential the winger holds.
Ennis’ previous contract with United is set to expire next summer in June 2025. However, Manchester Evening News report that the winger has signed fresh terms, extending his Old Trafford stay beyond next summer.
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