Manchester United reporter Samuel Luckhurst reported that the team is close to signing Derby County 16-year-old goalkeeper Charlie Hardy.
Hardy has played for England's U16 team five times and is currently completing the relevant procedures for transfer to Manchester United. Last year, Hardy made the bench against Manchester United's U18 at the age of 14 and made his debut with Derby County U18 at the age of 15.
As a first-level apprentice, Hardy can transfer to another England club at any time of the season. Former Manchester United youth coach Neil Ryan made Hardy's debut in 2024, and Ryan also appeared at Old Trafford on Wednesday night to watch the Premier League International Cup match where Manchester United's U21 team beat Athletic Bilbao 2-1.
Manchester United's own goalkeeper is difficult to gain a foothold in the club's first team. Dean Henderson briefly served as Manchester United's No. 1 goalkeeper in the Premier League in 2021, and then De Gea regained the position next season. Henderson is the first Manchester United goalkeeper to be trained by youth training since Gary Walsh in 1987.
At present, two goalkeepers in Manchester United's youth training system have been loaned out. 21-year-old Youth FA Cup winner Lavitke has started all six of Bristol City's Championship games, while 19-year-old Harrison continues to play in the struggles of Shrewsbury Town in the English New Year.
Next summer, Manchester United's goalkeeper division is expected to change more. Onana has been loaned to Trabzon Sports, Heaton is about to turn 40 and his contract expires next year, and training goalkeeper Delmot Mi is likely to be terminated.
Manchester United signed Ramons from Antwerp on the transfer deadline, but he has not made his debut for the club. The 23-year-old goalkeeper may make an appearance as an overage player for Manchester United's U21 in the upcoming Cup.