Man Utd fear 'incredible' player will reject move to Old Trafford because his family 'despise the club'

Manchester United are concerned a young English player they 'admire' will reject a transfer as his family 'despise the club'.

The Red Devils will undergo a huge overhaul in the sporting department following Sir Jim Ratcliffe's minority takeover.

INEOS head honcho Ratcliffe will oversee footballing operations at Old Trafford and has a vision for their recruitment strategy.

United want to start signing 'young, emerging talent' after focusing on expensive overseas stars under the Glazer family.

Among the players linked in recent months are Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise plus Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

According to Football Transfers per The Boot Room, United are ready to dip into the Championship and attempt to sign a player from bitter rivals Leeds United.

The last time United managed to coax a player from Leeds was Alan Smith in 2004, who ended up winning the League Cup and Premier League title.

17-year-old midfielder Archie Gray is the latest man who could swap Elland Road for Old Trafford after impressing for Daniel Farke's side.

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Gray has featured 27 times in all competitions this season and can also play at right-back.

Despite the opportunities playing for United will bring, people at the club think Gray will turn down a move due to his connections with Leeds.

Gray's father, Andy, turned out for the Lilywhites, as did his grandfather Frank and great-uncle Eddie.

The teenager made his debut at home to Cardiff City in August and is already being tipped to achieve great things.

Farke believes Gray has already 'outgrown' youth international football after representing England U19s last year.

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He told reporters in November: "I think he will be quite crucial also for England in the mid-and-long-term future on international level.

"[We] shouldn't concentrate on this [youth] level too much on the short term success, especially when they are friendlies or perhaps against age groups that he's already outgrown."

Leeds are currently fourth in the Championship, seven points behind Ipswich Town in the automatic promotion places.

Topics: Manchester United, Leeds United, Premier League, EFL Championship

Daniel Marland

Daniel is a social editor for SPORTbible after moving from the writing team. Nearly scored past Stormzy at Old Trafford once.

@DanMarland_