Talented Man United academy graduate Jack Kingdon signs first professional contract | OneFootball

Apart from incomings and outgoings at first-team level, INEOS also have a lot of work on their hands with regards to improving the club’s academy.

This includes not only signing new stars but also identifying the starlets who are ready for the step-up and offering them new long-term deals which will safeguard both the player and the club’s future.

Last season was a great one for United’s age-group teams with the U18s dominating and winning a treble while the U21s reached the playoffs while quite a few stars made the step-up to first-team football.

Erik ten Hag made it a point to give chances to plenty of academy graduates while many made it to matchday squads and were regular faces during first-team training.

Kingdon signs new deal

One of them was Jack Kingdon, who was called up to training by the manager during the injury crisis that plagued almost all his defenders. He impressed the Dutchman but failed to make a senior appearance.

The 18-year-old played 27 times for the academy sides last term, scoring twice while registering one assist as he helped the U18s concede only 28 goals, the second-fewest in the division.

According to The Manchester Evening News, the Scotland U19 international has put pen-to-paper on his first professional deal with the Red Devils, just reward for his excellent progress.

“Manchester United youngster Jack Kingdon has signed his first professional contract with the club.

“The Manchester Evening News understands Kingdon has put pen to paper on his first professional deal, which is the reward for his excellent progress in the academy.”

Will be hoping to break through into EtH’s plans

The youngster excels as a centre-back, possessing great pace and strength while also having the ability to read the game well from the back. He can also play as a right-back if needed, with versatility a trait Ten Hag really values in young players.

Interestingly, Kingdon, who stands at 6ft 1in, played rugby while growing up and was a gifted athlete, winning gold in 75m, 150m and 600m races when he was young.

Since joining in 2020, Kingdon has gone from strength to strength and he is considered to be among the brightest talents from the supremely-talented U18 group that won all trophies on offer in the 23/24 season.

After signing the new deal, he will be looking to return to Carrington with renewed vigour, hoping to force his way into Ten Hag’s plans by impressing during pre-season.

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