Doncaster Rovers manager Grant McCann talks about youth swap scheme with Man United – Man United News And Transfer News

3

Doncaster Rovers manager Grant McCann has given an update on Manchester United youth team duo Finley McAllister and Malachi Sharpe after their week-long stay away from Carrington.

United and the Rovers agreed to an arrangement that saw young players effectively swap clubs for a short period of time.

McAllister is an 18 year old defensive midfielder who has spent time in the under 18 and under 21 side, providing two assists in six Premier League 2 games this season.

Sharpe on the other hand is an attacking winger who has scored three goals and two assists in seven Premier League 2 matches in this campaign.

Doncaster sent Sam Straughan-Brown and Kasper Williams to Carrington to work with United’s youth team coaches.

Speaking to the Doncaster Free Press, the League Two manager claimed, “we had really good feedback on both of them. Travis (Binnion, United’s under-21s lead coach) spoke to Cliff (Byrne, assistant) and said he was impressed by both the lads. What it did was give both Sam and Kasper a different perspective on what it’s like if you get your head down, work hard and get to that level.”

“Obviously, everybody wants to be at that level don’t they? Lee Glover went up and met them and they’re walking around the place and bumping into Bruno Fernandes and stuff like that. It was great for them but they’re back here now.”

The former Northern Ireland international also elaborated on the benefit for United’s academy starlets.

“It was interesting speaking to the two boys before they left and seeing where they think they’re at in terms of their progression.”

McCann stated that the Rovers got an invaluable insight into how things work at United and that a loan is the next step for Sharpe and McAllister to enhance their career.

He finally stated that numerous clubs were interested in following a similar deal that the Red Devils took part in and concluded, “I think it’s a bonus for us to have that sort of connection.”

Both Sharpe and McAllister could next be in action when United’s under 21s host West Ham United’s youth side this Friday evening.