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Manchester United are reportedly embroiled in tensions with Premier League rivals Chelsea and Liverpool at academy level, leading to scouts being denied access to youth games.
Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed his 27.7% partial investment into United, the club has placed greater emphasis on signing younger players who can then be nurtured to potentially become world-class.
In the summer transfer window alone, the club secured the signings of Sekou Kone and Leny Yoro – both 18.
United also confirmed the official arrivals of the likes of James Overy (17), Samuel Lusale (17) and Chido Obi-Martin (16) a few weeks ago.
Lusale and Obi-Martin were brought in from Crystal Palace and Arsenal respectively.
Under INEOS, United appear to be stepping up their scouting networks and activities at the academy level.
It seems that the club’s efforts may have rubbed some rival clubs the wrong way, especially Chelsea and Liverpool.
The Athletic reports that there are ongoing tensions between the three Premier League giants, which have led to scouts being denied access to youth games.
“In the last month scouts from Liverpool and United have seen accreditation requests for academy matches at Chelsea’s Cobham training centre rejected. Sources speaking under the condition of anonymity to protect relationships — like all those spoken to for this article — have told The Athletic that the situation around scouts is reciprocal.”
“A Chelsea source insisted club scouts have applied for academy games at Liverpool, but had their accreditation rejected. Sources at the Merseyside club said no requests have been rejected so far this season. But, they added, if Chelsea scouts did apply going forward, they are likely to be rejected, given the reciprocal nature of access for scouts at youth level.”
“Multiple people with knowledge of the situation have told The Athletic that Chelsea were the first to restrict access to opposition scouts, although that is denied by a Chelsea source.”
The Athletic explains that Chelsea’s decision is being viewed as a response to the club losing 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha to Liverpool during the summer. It’s believed that United also made an attempt to sign Ngumoha.
Representatives of all three clubs held talks last week to try and find an amicable resolution but no agreements were reached.
While all this has been going on, other club personnel’s access to academy games has not been restricted.
United return to action this weekend when they host Brentford at Old Trafford.
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