Manchester United recruitment overhaul taking shape with four new signings

Manchester United's recruitment overhaul is already taking shape with four new signings lined up at academy level.

In recent years, the club have turned their focus to signing the best domestic talent available to them as they look to get an edge on their rivals in what is a fiercely competitive market.

While there has always been a clamour for homegrown talent, the demand has skyrocketed in recent years following the introduction of Brexit regulations that make it impossible to sign players aged under 18 from Europe. Another contributing factor are the strict financial fair play restraints which have led to an emphasis on identifying elite talent as early as possible in order to save money.

Under these rules clubs can recruit players from anywhere in the UK at the age of 16, while there are also no restrictions on signing players above the age of 14 as long as compensation packages are paid and there is a full-time training model in place.

United are always on the lookout for the best young talent available to them and they have already made positive strides forward this summer by sealing deals for three new recruits.

Ipswich Town striker Silva Mexes, who is the son of Wales great Robert Earnshaw, has already posed with his contract at the club's Carrington training ground, while they have also completed the signing of James Overy after his family left Australia for England. They have already completed the signing of Aston Villa defender Dante Plunkett after a successful trial period with the club.

United are also expected to sign Reading forward Camron Mpofu, while they have been also been keeping tabs on Port Vale forward Baylee Dipepa and Blackburn striker Igor Tyjon.