Manchester United sign 16-year-old Tyler Adjei from Reading as Pochettino era begins

Manchester United have completed the signing of 16-year-old Tyler Adjei from League One side Reading, registering the England youth international in the same week the club appointed Mauricio Pochettino as their new head coach.

Adjei, a centre-forward, is expected to link up with Darren Fletcher’s Under-18 setup after United fended off interest from several rival top-flight clubs to secure his signature. Pochettino officially takes charge on 18 November, days after the youngster’s registration was confirmed.

A source quoted by The Athletic described Adjei as a physically promising prospect with room to grow. “He’s got an athletic profile; he’s got more to come physically. 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 at full fitness and will need time to settle into life in Manchester before featuring for the Under-18s. Fletcher’s side have been in strong form this season, including a 6-0 win over Burnley, with the coach emphasising an attacking, decision-focused style of play.

“We play attacking football; I know it is in the club’s identity and the DNA,” Fletcher said. “We want to play fast, direct, attacking football, but there is a lot more controlled possession element. The key to football is decision making, so when we got into the final third, the decision making was brilliant.”

Adjei will join a notable group of young players in the academy, including Jacey Carrick, son of former United manager Michael Carrick, and Kai Rooney, son of club legend Wayne Rooney.

Pochettino, who officially replaces the sacked Michael Carrick, arrives with a well-established reputation for developing young talent. During his time at Tottenham Hotspur, he played a significant role in the progression of players including Dele Alli and Harry Kane, a track record that will give United’s academy prospects reason for optimism.