Harrison is Reserve-Team Player of the Year

The impressive teenager forced his way into Travis Binnion's Under-21s side and gained valuable experience at Premier League 2 level. He also appeared for the Under-18s and helped Adam Lawrence's youngsters do a double of the Premier League North and Premier League Cup.

Harrison was outstanding in the cup final against Manchester City at Leigh Sports Village last month, making a string of top-class saves in the 2-1 triumph.

The young keeper capped a standout campaign by making further important saves for our Under-18s at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, as our young Reds beat Chelsea to be crowned U18 Premier League national champions.

The 18-year-old joined the club from Stevenage in 2022 and has made real progress, working hard behind the scenes with the coaches.

He has also enjoyed outings in the FA Youth Cup, UEFA Youth League and EFL Trophy over the course of the campaign, showing not only his shot-stopping qualities but also an ability to play with his feet, which is so important in modern goalkeeping.

Harrison is only the second keeper to win the award since it was introduced in 1990. Kevin Pilkington, part of the Class of ’92 FA Youth Cup-winning side, lifted the trophy at the end of the 1994/95 season. Elyh is also the most youthful winner since Adnan Januzaj, who was a couple of weeks younger, in 2013.

Last year's recipient was midfielder Dan Gore, who made his senior debut for the club in September's Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace.

United's Director of Academy, Nick Cox, explained why Elyh is a worthy recipient of the Denzil Haroun trophy:

"Elyh has equipped himself brilliantly throughout the season, consistently performing for our Under-18s, Under-21s and often training with the first team.

"This variety of experiences will stand him in great stead as he continues his development as a really exciting young goalkeeper. Winning this prestigious award at only 18 years of age is really impressive and shows just how mature Elyh is.

"He is a credit to both Tommy Lee, Lead Academy Goalkeeper Coach, and Kevin Wolfe, Academy Goalkeeping coach, who have worked really closely with Elyh."

Speaking about the Under-21 group as a whole, Cox added:

"Yet again this was a really difficult decision, as there were a number of players who really deserve individual recognition for the progress they have made this season.

"We’re really pleased with our Under-21s campaign. Each player has also supported first-team training sessions on various occasions. We wanted a young and stretched group and they have responded in exactly the right way to each challenge that we have intentionally designed for them.

"Travis Binnion has once again done a superb job overseeing the Professional Development Phase and maximising the individual development of each of our players."

DENZIL HAROUN AWARD - PREVIOUS FIVE WINNERS

2022/23: Dan Gore
2021/22: Alvaro Fernandez
2020/21: Hannibal
2019/20: James Garner
2018/19: Tahith Chong