Manchester United tie down three academy talents with fourth professional deal imminent

Manchester United have secured professional contracts with three academy players — goalkeeper Fred Heath, defender Dante Plunkett and midfielder Will Murdock — with winger Noah Ajayi reported to be on the verge of adding a fourth deal in the coming days.

Plunkett joined United from Aston Villa and has made 12 appearances for the Under-18s, though injuries have disrupted his progress. Heath also featured in United’s pre-season tour of the United States in the summer of 2025 and is set to link up with the Under-21s side, as is Plunkett. Murdock has already been a regular presence in United’s Premier League 2 campaign and was part of the squad that travelled to the US for pre-season, also featuring in the play-off final against Brighton.

The Daily Mail has reported that Ajayi, a winger who has attracted attention with his recent performances, is close to agreeing terms with the club, which would complete a notable run of academy commitments at Old Trafford.

The flurry of signings arrives against a difficult backdrop. Fifteen-year-old JJ Gabriel — widely regarded as one of the most exciting prospects at the club — has reportedly requested that his contract be cancelled. United had been planning to include Gabriel in their squad for the Carabao Cup tie against Brighton, a debut that would have made him the youngest player ever to represent the club. Those plans have since been shelved following a refusal to train.

Gabriel’s potential departure carries significant financial implications. European heavyweights including Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Real Madrid are said to be monitoring the situation, and United could be forced to sell at a reduced fee given the circumstances.

The three confirmed deals, and the anticipated agreement with Ajayi, represent a measure of stability in United’s academy pipeline at a time when the club’s long-term development structure is under scrutiny.