Manchester United sign 16-year-old striker Tyler Adjei from Reading on Pochettino's first day

Manchester United moved swiftly in the transfer market on Friday, completing the signing of 16-year-old England youth international Tyler Adjei from League One side Reading on the same day Mauricio Pochettino was confirmed as the club’s new manager.

Adjei, a forward who can operate across the front three but whom United view primarily as a striker, will link up with Darren Fletcher’s Under-18 side at Carrington and has been registered as a No. 9. United beat a host of rival clubs to secure his services.

Sources have spoken highly of the teenager’s physical and mental attributes. “He’s got an athletic profile. He’s got more to come physically,” one source told The Athletic. “He moves well. He has a good temperament, mentality and demeanour. He has a good energy to train. He’s got a way to go technically, as is the norm for a player of his age.”

Adjei is not yet match-fit and will need time to settle in Manchester following the completion of the registration process between the two clubs.

The signing arrives during a turbulent week at Old Trafford. Michael Carrick was dismissed on Thursday before Pochettino — who will officially assume the role on November 18 — was confirmed as his successor the following day.

Fletcher’s Under-18s have been in strong form this season, highlighted by a 6-0 thrashing of Burnley last month. The coach outlined his philosophy after that result: “We play attacking football, I know it is in the club’s identity and the DNA. We want to play fast, direct, attacking football but there is a lot more controlled possession element, that is just the way football is going these days.”

Adjei will train alongside several notable names in the youth ranks, including Jacey Carrick, son of the recently departed manager Michael Carrick, and Kai Rooney, son of United legend Wayne Rooney.

The arrival of Pochettino adds an extra dimension of intrigue for United’s younger players. The Argentine built a strong reputation for nurturing academy talent during his time at Tottenham Hotspur, where he played a significant role in the development of players including Dele Alli and, in part, Harry Kane.