United confirm PDP squad

The Academy continues to prioritise individual development and players will experience a range of training and game scenarios that will provide the best platform for each of them to reach their potential.

Some members of the group are already experiencing men’s football out on loan, others will regularly train with the first-team, whilst a number of schoolboys are also likely to feature for the Under-18s at certain points during the season.

D’Mani Mellor has signed a new contract which will see him continue his time with United, having joined the club at the age of nine. Fellow forward Ethan Ennis joins the phase having begun his scholarship with the club following his departure from Liverpool.

The PDP group will be overseen by head of player development and coaching (U17-U23), Justin Cochrane. Paul McShane’s role as playing coach will see him coach from an on-pitch perspective in fixtures when deemed appropriate.

The A-licence coach will continue to provide high-level competition for the Academy’s talented forward players and give various development opportunities to his fellow defenders.

The Under-23s begin their campaign at home to Leicester City on Sunday at 14:00 BST. A trip to Chelsea is in order the following week before Manchester City head to Leigh Sports Village to complete the opening month's fixture schedule.

The Under-18s' opening three league games are all against traditional rivals to ensure a taxing opening to 2021/22. The short trip to Manchester City kicks things off at noon on Saturday before Liverpool are welcomed to Carrington. A game at Leeds United’s Thorp Arch complex follows before the month is out.

Full list of Manchester United’s Professional Development Phase players:

Sonny Aljofree, Rhys Bennett, Di’Shon Bernard, Reece Devine, Anthony Elanga, Noam Emeran, Ethan Ennis, Alvaro Fernandez, Will Fish, Omari Forson, Tyler Fredricson, Ethan Galbraith, Alejandro Garnacho, James Garner, Daniel Gore, Eric Hanbury, Hannibal, Isak Hansen, Bjorn Hardley, Dillon Hoogewerf, Joe Hugill, Zidane Iqbal, Marc Jurado, Matej Kovar, Willy Kambwala, Marcus Lawrence, Ethan Laird, Dylan Levitt, Kobbie Mainoo, Sam Mather, Ondrej Mastny,  Charlie McNeill, Dermot Mee, Mateo Mejia, D'Mani Mellor, Teden Mengi, Sam Murray, Manni Norkett, Max Oyedele, Daniel Polakowski, Logan Pye, Charlie Savage,  Shola Shoretire, Connor Stanley,  Martin Svidersky, Radek Vitek, Charlie Wellens, Paul Woolston, Tom Wooster.