Connor Stanley clinched a loan exit from Manchester United over the weekend.
The 19-year-old winger has signed for Atlanta United 2, the reserve side of MLS side Atalanta United.
Atlanta United 2 play in the USL Championship, the second tier of American ‘soccer’.
Stanley was one of four players the club signed over the weekend as they prepare for the season kick off on April 23.
After the move was confirmed, Stanley posted on Instagram to say he was ‘so happy’ to have the opportunity.
What was Stanley’s situation at United?
Connor Stanley’s contract at United is set to expire at the end of June. The MEN reported in February the club were weighing up whether to offer him a new deal.
MORE UNITED STORIES
It is most likely Stanley will be released when his contract expires and become free to find a new club as a free agent.
This loan move effectively gives him a head start, enabling him to play competitive football and put himself in the shop window, while also potentially landing a permanent contract at Atlanta United.
A year ago Stanley trained with United’s first team ahead of the club’s Europa League tie with Club Brugge. He was signed from Birmingham City’s academy in 2018, but has been a bit-part player for the under-23s this season.
He has played only three under-23 matches, and just one in 2021.
This is a good chance for the young winger to kickstart his career away from United. Not everybody can make it at Old Trafford, and Stanley has a chance now to look to the future.
- Jose Mourinho breaks silence and names ‘only thing’ he wants from his next club, he thinks it’s a ‘fair’ demand
- Manchester United linked with £60m defender amid release clause stance
- Manchester United like 48-year-old La Liga boss who Omar Berrada knows well
- Chris Sutton makes telling Man Utd vs Sheffield United scoreline prediction as Erik ten Hag’s men are sent a warning
- Fabrizio Romano names three centre-backs Man Utd could sign instead of Jarrad Branthwaite, one might cost just £40m
- Casemiro breaks silence and claims one Man Utd star played against Coventry City with injury, he put in a real shift
- Erik ten Hag hit out at Man Utd stars for one problem, and he clearly has no idea how to fix it
- CEO hints at snapping up Manchester United man and ‘will wait’ to get him
- Bryan Robson makes rare critique of Roy Keane’s Man Utd captaincy, he went ‘over the top’ in one area
- Paul Merson drops clear Man Utd vs Sheffield United prediction as he names his pick for Erik ten Hag’s replacement