Manchester United have recalled a promising young star from his loan spell and he will be part of Ruben Amorim’s first-team squad at Old Trafford
Promising goalkeeper Elyh Harrison has cut short his loan spell at Chester FC and returned to Manchester United, where he’s set to be part of Ruben Amorim’s first-team squad for the rest of the season.
The Red Devils, fresh off their 2-2 draw with Premier League leaders Liverpool, are tipping the 18-year-old as a future superstar between the sticks and reckon he’ll be able to grab some crucial top-flight experience while still getting a runout with the youth squad, with No.1 stopper Andre Onana coming in for some stick recently.
Back in August, youngster Harrison was chucked in at the deep end with his first senior stint at Chester in National League North, England’s sixth division. He didn’t disappoint either – starting 18 league matches, letting in 16 goals and securing seven clean sheets.
United and Chester’s link-up gets another thumbs up with Harrison’s loan being chalked up as a right result. Chester boss Calum McIntyre was all praise for the youngster. He said: “Elyh has been superb for us, and we are really thankful for all his efforts over this first half of the season.
“We have been blessed in recent years with some really talented goalkeepers, and it’s worth remembering that Elyh is just 18 years old, becoming the youngest goalkeeper to represent the football club at this level.
“He has shown his immense ability and has a hugely bright future in the game ahead of him. We can be really proud that we were his first taste of senior football,” reports the Express.
McIntyre added: “We would like to place on record our thanks to those in the Academy at Manchester United for placing their trust in us to take Elyh over the last five months.”
Chester FC has extended their heartfelt gratitude to Elyh, with the club saying: “From everyone at Chester FC, thank you for all of your efforts and all the very best, Elyh!”
Meanwhile, Amorim is keen to watch Harrison more closely before a probable loan move to an upper-tier club this summer. After signing his first professional contract with United in March 2023 following his transition from Stevenage Town on a scholarship deal just a year earlier, Harrison impressively clinched the Denzil Haroun Reserve Player of the Year award last season.
He is just the second goalie to do so since its inception back in 1990, joining the ranks of Darren Fletcher, James Garner, and Alvaro Fernandez, as well as being the youngest winner since Adnan Januzaj in 2013.
With Onana still in position after his whopping £47m transfer from Inter Milan in 2023, Altay Bayindir could be on the lookout for more consistent playtime, and it might still be too early for Harrison, meaning another season out on loan looks the most likely.