Former West End AFC Player Makes Debut For Manchester United

A former West End Amateur Football player made his first team debut for Manchester United last week.

Charlie McNeill, from Droylsden, came off the bench in the 1-0 defeat to Real Sociedad in the opening Europa League clash on Thursday.

The 19-year-old, who had a six year spell with Manchester City, before returning to United in 2020, made his bow in front of 73,000 fans at Old Trafford.

Despite the loss, it was a dream come true for McNeill who, having re-signed for the club for a reported £750,000, will now be hoping to establish himself as a first team regular under new boss Erik ten Hag.

McNeill was an influential figure in helping United’s Under 18s to the FA Youth Cup last season. McNeill scored the only goal in United’s 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in the semi-final, before featuring in the final, which was played at Old Trafford in front of 60,000 fans, and helping his side to a 3-1 win.

McNeill was joined in the final alongside team captain and opening goal scorer, Rhys Bennett.

The 18-year-old has strong links to Tameside as well, having previously attended Russell Scott Primary School and Audenshaw High School.

The borough has developed a number of highly rated players in recent years, with United forward Anthony Elanga a previous youngster with Hattersley FC. 

Arsenal defender Rob Holding previously played for Stalybridge Celtic Juniors, whilst former Audenshaw High School student Zach Clough, who moved from Bolton Wanderers to Nottingham Forest in 2017 for a reported £3 million, is now playing for Adelaide United in Australia.

Picture taken from West End AFC's Twitter account @WestEndAFC