Man United poach Manchester City FA Youth Cup star and England U17

Manchester United confirmed on Thursday that 17‑year‑old midfielder Karim Cassim has joined the club after the Premier League cleared his move from Manchester City, the side that lifted the FA Youth Cup with a 2‑1 victory over United last season.

International pedigree

Cassim has earned three caps for England Under‑17s, each appearance coming in March of this year. He was an unused substitute in the FA Youth Cup final but scored three goals in ten Under‑18 Premier League outings last term. United’s statement noted, “On the international front, the central midfielder has been capped up to England’s Under‑17s.”

United's youth recruitment drive

The Old Trafford club welcomed the teenager, saying, “Everyone at the club would like to welcome Karim to United, and we wish him the very best of luck.” Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s recent minority takeover has accelerated a push to sign top youngsters before they command huge fees. He recalled previous deals – the Fletcher twins for £1.25 million and Jadon Sancho’s £73 million move – and warned, “It’s not that clever is it buying (Kylian) Mbappe? Anyone could figure that one out, but what is much more challenging is to find the next Mbappe, or the next (Jude) Bellingham, or the next Roy Keane.”

United are also preparing to add 16‑year‑old David Eze from City and Liverpool winger Isaac Konde, while German winger Noah Ajayi is set to sign his first professional contract. Earlier this month, Leicester City midfielder Manuel Appiah Boakye also joined United, underscoring the club’s broad youth‑recruitment agenda.

Academy prospects and debut chances

Cassim will train with United’s Under‑18 squad alongside talents such as JJ Gabriel and Kai Rooney. He could make his debut in the Under‑18 Premier League Cup against Chelsea on 10 October.

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Described as a versatile midfielder, Cassim can operate as a box‑to‑box engine or in a deeper role, with an emerging goal threat from midfield.

Back‑room reinforcement

United confirmed the appointment of Connor King as assistant goalkeeping coach. The 27‑year‑old came through Burnley’s youth system, represented England Under‑16s and played for Burnley’s Under‑23 side before retiring in 2020 and moving into academy coaching.

King will work alongside Craig Mawson and joins a coaching team that includes Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans and Travis Binnion. The club’s statement added, “Everyone at United would like to welcome Connor to the club.”

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Northern Sports writer Chris Wheeler noted in September that the signings illustrate United’s determination to out‑maneuvre their cross‑city rivals in the youth market, a strategy that could reshape the development pipeline for years to come.