According to reports, Manchester United have finally completed the signing of Spanish youngster, Arnau Puigmal from La Liga side Espanyol. The Spanish Under-18 international had arrived at Old Trafford earlier this summer but got his clearance only now.
Only, 16-year-old, he is widely expected to go a long way and Manchester United looks like the perfect platform to give wings to his talents. Speaking to MUTV, Manchester United academy chief Nicky Butt said, “We’re competing with a lot of clubs these days but I still believe we’ve got the best pathway. It’s a fact we’re probably the best or one of the best in Europe at developing our lads for the first team.
“We can speak to parents honestly and say, look, we always give our lads a chance to play for the club; the pathway is there to play if they’re good enough.”
The young central midfielder joins the likes of Ethan Galbraith, Largie Ramazani, Di’Shon Bernard and Aliou Traore at United, who have started they’re Under 18s North season in a mixed manner. After finishing runners up to rivals Manchester City last term, McKenna saw his side open their campaign with a shocking 4-2 to West Bromwich Albion.
Since then, the Red Devils have bounced back with a 2-1 win over Stoke City and the last one coming against Crystal Palace where Butt saw his side winning 2-0 comfortably with the likes of Joel Pereira, Demetri Mitchell, Scott McTominay, Josh Harrop and Angel Gomes all playing.
Although United are yet to confirm the signing of Puigmal, the Spaniard took to his Instagram account to confirm his signing, where he is seen sitting between McKenna and former striker Andy Cole. His post read, “Very happy and proud to announce that I am a new Manchester United player, a dream come true. It’s time to work.”
Puigml had caught eyes of the Manchester United scouts during Espanyol Cadete A’s pre season friendly 6-0 win over SV Ebensee in July. A central midfielder by nature, Puigmal came to the fore for his strength on the ball and dribbling abilities. His ability to retain possession is way beyond his age and he can also provide the most exquisite of finishes.
He is the winner of the most valuable player of the tournament award at the Mediterranean International Cup, where he scored in the final against Barcelona. The 16-year-old has previously represented Spain at both youth level as well as the international stage. He had been in Espanyol’s academy since 2010 after joining from Sant Cugat, north-west of Barcelona.
