Willy Kambwala was 16 years and 61 days old when he signed his paperwork, overseen by his agent Darren Dein, the son of former Arsenal chief executive David.
The callow Kambwala move from Sochaux was not worthy of confirmation on United's social media feeds on a day Alex Telles, Edinson Cavani, Facundo Pellistri and Amad agreed their transfers.
A message dropped from one of the United staff members early that evening. "The club have taken an unveiling picture, which rarely happens with academy signings. Possibly indicates they have high hopes for him."
That was the same summer Marc Jurado, Alvaro Fernandez and Alejandro Garnacho touched down on the Manchester tarmac from Spain in the last transfer window for English clubs to sign overseas players under the age of 18 before the prohibitive Brexit regulations.
Denne historien er fra April 14, 2024-utgaven av MEN on Sunday.
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Denne historien er fra April 14, 2024-utgaven av MEN on Sunday.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Bethell relishing Old Trafford T20 decider
JACOB Bethell was pleased to get down to business for England after admitting he struggled to shut out the external noise during a low-key international debut.
Is this turning point that boss so badly needs?
Victory buys Ten Hag breathing space, but now United must capitalise on it
Food for thought for the Insta diners
Why we need to disconnect from our phones for the best eating out experience
'It would normally be packed but now! it's a GHOST TOWN'
Traders warn they won't survive the loss of spaces after water company closed car park
Man used trafficked woman to make more than £100k
A MAN profited from the exploitation of a vulnerable woman to the tune of more than £100,000.
'You imagine there would be a lot of barking but it was silent?
The devastating Manchester Dogs Home fire ten years on
Couple's home hit by car for THIRD time
Pair forced to evacuate property
Shopkeeper faces £20k costs to undo changes he made
Business owner was refused permission for work already done
Disorder'more anti-government than racism'
Barrister makes claim as thug who attacked bus during trouble outside hotel housing asylum seekers jailed
'There's no characters left'
Traders and customers' sadness as shutters come down on market for final time
