Manchester United academy star James Overy trained with the senior squad for the first time this week as Ruben Amorim’s team ramp up preparations for a season-defining week at Old Trafford.
Overy, 18, joined the Red Devils last summer on a scholarship deal from A-League side Perth Glory.
The talented defender, who normally operates as a right-back, was being courted by a number of Premier League clubs but United move quickly to secure his signature ahead of their rivals.
But a fairy tale journey from the West of Australia to the North West of England soured after Overy arrived in Manchester and quickly suffered an injury.
Steve Railston (Manchester Evening News) reveals it was a “serious” issue which required “eight months of rehabilitation.”
This meant that Overy only made his debut for the Under-18s in February against Liverpool. After the match, former u18 manager Adam Lawrence praised the character his young player had demonstrated in a difficult period.
“Its been really hard for James because obviously hes made the move from Australia and hes a terrific lad, first of all. But he got injured in pre-season and you can see hes such a great lad, a great kid and has such good energy and he wanted to be back. A real credit to him because he stayed positive throughout.
“Its not affected him in terms of his positivity. And listen, its obviously disappointing whats happened in the game, but for him to be back and playing football again is brilliant.”
Overy’s ascension shows no signs of slowing down now he is fit and healthy as the youngster took part in first-team training at Carrington yesterday.
The 18-year-old defender was joined by a host of other academy stars with Chido Obi, Godwill Kukonki, Harry Amass, James Scanlon and Jaydan Kamason also spotted in the session.
United travel to London on Friday to play Chelsea in the Premier League with a trip to Bilbao next week for the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur – an opportunity to salvage success in an otherwise dismal campaign.
While the match at Stamford Bridge is an irrelevancy, the game at the Estadio de San Ames is season-defining. Bilbao or bust for the Red Devils.
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Darragh Fox Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
