Jimmy Dunne
Manchester United have been criticised for their lack of activity in this summer’s transfer window but the Premier League champions have finally added to their squad with the signing of 15-year-old Dundalk defender Jimmy Dunne.
While the signature of Dunne is hardly the calibre of player that fans of the Red Devils wanted to see arriving at Old Trafford this summer, the 6ft 2in centre half is tipped for a bright future having been coveted by a number of cross-channel clubs in recent years.
United were always in pole position to sign him, however, having drafted him into their Belfast-based academy when he was just 10 years old.
Dunne had spells with St Kevin’s Boys in Dublin but has most recently featured for Blackrock outfit Rock Celtic.
The De La Salle schoolboy will sign a four-year contract with the club when he turns 16 on October 19th but is expected to move to Manchester this week to begin the academic year in his new school.
Speaking to the Irish Independent, Dunne said there were other teams interested in him but that he never had any doubt about signing for English football’s most successful side.
“It’s a huge club with great history and they have been very supportive of me right from the start.
“I know it will be a massive challenge but I will be surrounded by good players and excellent coaches and that can only help improve my game. I can’t wait to get started.”
Jimmy’s parents are well known in the area. His mother Sharon Treacy-Dunne is the director of the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland, while his father Eamonn is a former Louth footballer and a teacher at the Patrician High School in Carrickmacross.
Jimmy becomes the first local to sign for United since Conor McCormack in 2006 and Kyle Moran a decade ago. He will now be hoping that in the coming years he becomes the first local player to play in the Premier League since Stephen Staunton.
Source: Talented Dundalk teenager nets dream Manchester United move (Irish Independent)
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