Having played against Manchester United numerous times in his own career, Silva Mexes will now be stepping foot on the club’s floors.
Silva Mexes joins Manchester United (Image: Instagram/silva.mte)
Silva Mexes, a 14-year-old recruit for Manchester United, is the son of former Wales and Cardiff City player Robert Earnshaw.
The young player moves from Ipswich Town, where he was reportedly being pursued by several Premier League clubs. The teenager confirmed his switch by posting on social media, saying, “The work starts now.”
“Very proud moment for me and my family to announce my signing for Manchester United,” he wrote alongside a photo of himself holding up a number seven shirt with his name emblazoned on the back. I am grateful to everyone who has supported me thus far in my journey.
Earnshaw, his father, scored for West Brom in a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford in May 2005. Earnshaw played at Old Trafford twice in his career. Out of his four games against United, that was the only outcome he could muster.
The acquisition of son Mexes coincides with Ipswich’s current manager, former United coach Kieran McKenna. Despite having connections to Chelsea and Old Trafford, the 38-year-old has signed a new contract with the Tractor Boys, meaning he will remain at Portman Road.
Between 2016 and 2018, McKenna managed United’s under-18 team and led them to a youth league championship. Jose Mourinho then elevated McKenna to first-team coach, a position he held under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
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This season, United has given debuts to four academy products. In April’s 4-2 victory over Sheffield United, Ethan Wheatley became the 250th player to go from the academy to the first team.
During the previous campaign, Wheatley’s bow was preceded by Dan Gore, Willy Kambwala, and Omari Forson. Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, both academy graduates, scored the game-winning goals in Saturday’s FA Cup final.
Arriving from Cardiff nearly eighteen months ago, Mexes joins fellow highly-rated Welsh prospect Gabriele Biancheri, born in September 2006, in the United academy. In other news, Gibraltar international James Scanlon, 17, signed his first professional contract at United last week.
