Ricky-Jade Jones of Peterborough United during a training session. (Image Credits: Twitter)
According to Daily Mail, Manchester United are monitoring Peterborough United youngster Ricky-Jade Jones.
The 17-year-old Jones has enjoyed a successful breakthrough campaign with the League One side, scoring four goals from 16 appearances across all competitions.
A Peterborough academy product, Jones has quickly established himself in the first-team line-up in his maiden season with the senior team. However, he is yet to find the back of the net in the League One, where he has made 11 appearances this term, mostly from the bench.
Teenager Jones grabbed a lot of attention recently after scoring his side’s second and final goal in their 4-2 loss to Burnley in the FA Cup third round in January earlier this year.
Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had earlier stated that he was building a team for the future filled with hungry youngsters, which was evident from the signings of Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka last summer.
Solskjaer also handed first-team opportunities to the side’s academy players like Mason Greenwood and Brandon Williams, who have gone on to become key players in the current line-up this season.
Both Greenwood and Williams have established themselves within the side, with the former having scored 5 league goals and the latter featuring in over 12 league matches for them.
With the side’s youngsters clearly impressing when given a chance, United seem to have decided to once again keep faith in upcoming talents and have earmarked Jones as a target.
He also fits the mould of young and hungry players that Solskjaer is trying to sign at Old Trafford. Capable of playing as a forward and as a midfielder, Jones can be a valuable addition to the side due to his versatility.
Manchester United have kept faith in its side’s youngsters this season, who in turn, have delivered the goods for them. Hence, it seems like a wise decision to make a move for a rising talent like Jones. Also, he is still just 17 and has plenty of time to develop. Having proved his mettle already at such a young age, he could prove to be an excellent future investment by United if he develops into a top player.
