Who is Tynan Thompson? Man Utd’s exciting new signing that could feature for Michael Carrick's side this season

Of all Manchester United's summer signings, perhaps the most intriguing is the new arrival about whom very little is known.

While much is known about Youri Tielemans, from his successful stints at Leicester and Aston Villa, as well as his international exploits for Belgium, and another midfielder, Andrey Santos, from his time at Chelsea, the same cannot be said for fellow new recruit, Tynan Thompson.

United's £4million capture of 18-year-old winger Thompson, from Tottenham, was a signing that went completely under the radar, much like their overall transfer business this summer, with their recruitment strategy now far more discreet and clinical in its execution.

After being left out of United's match-day squads for their first four pre-season friendlies this summer, Thompson made his debut with an impressive 45-minute second-half cameo in last Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Leeds at Dublin's Croke Park.

Thompson showcased the skills and confidence that made him one of the most sought-after young attacking talents in Europe, with his willingness to take on opponents and confidence to run at them allowing him to create openings, causing panic with his trickery and quick feet.

Tynan Thompson has been compared to PSG's Bradley Barcola

Such was the impact Thompson made in an otherwise drab second-half, one United commentator was moved to suggest the club had signed the new Bradley Barcola, the exciting 23-year-old Paris Saint-Germain winger, who has won back-to-back Champions League titles and has cemented his status as one of the world's most exciting young football talents.

While that comparison might be a little premature, given Thompson's inexperience at the highest level, there is no doubt he has the raw skills and mindset to go all the way to the top and fulfil his huge potential at United, who are prepared to allow him time to develop and mature as a player and not push him too far, too soon.

A left-winger who likes to cut inside onto his right foot, Thompson is equally adept at scoring goals as he is creating them, with one United insider familiar with his game claiming his reliable delivery and service will be a “dream” for the team's first-choice striker, Benjamin Sesko - “right foot, left foot, he delivers on the money every time”, according to the insider, who also praised his willingness to track back, defend and “do the dirty work”, which not all wingers are prepared to do.

Despite having made his United first-team debut in pre-season and trained with the squad since joining, Thompson and his camp are acutely aware he is likely to start the upcoming season at Under-21 level – for whom he has already played - and must use that platform to impress and show he deserves to be promoted to training with Michael Carrick's squad on a regular basis and included in first-team match-day squads.

Sam Williams, United's head of emerging talent and someone who is renowned for his proven ability to spot potential in young players, scouted Thompson and recommended him to United, which allowed them to steal a march on their rivals and get the deal done swiftly and with the minimum of fuss.

Tynan Thompson impressed against Leeds United. Image credit: Getty

Thompson had a year left on his Spurs contract; they wanted him to stay - he made the bench for a Champions League game - and he was free to move to European clubs on January 1 for a fee of only a few hundred thousand pounds, so United had to act quickly and decisively to get the deal over the line, which they did.

From paying way over the odds for players, like £86m on Antony or £73m on Jadon Sancho, those now in charge at United, led by Director of Football Jason Wilcox, have adopted a policy of “finding value” in the market, with Thompson a prime example of that new philosophy and approach.

Thompson is represented by TwoTouch Agency, which takes a holistic approach to its players, ensuring football is always the priority, despite the wealth, adulation and high profile that comes with success now, with those in charge encouraging humility and perspective among its clients. Since joining United, Thompson's Instagram following has grown from 15,000 to 77,000, but the player himself is said to be unfazed by social media, preferring instead to focus on football.

At United, Thompson will be competing with Matheus Cunha, Marcus Rashford and Parick Dorgu, all of whom operate on the left side of attack. Those entrusted with guiding Thompson have urged him to learn from the likes of Cunha and Rashford, equip himself with the skills and mentality that made them successful, and apply them to his own game, to give himself the best possible chance of breaking into the first-team.

Tynan Thompson's journey to Old Trafford

London-born Thompson joined the youth academy of Lambeth Tigers and, after being scouted there, made the switch to Tottenham's academy winning the Under-17 Premier League Cup, as well as making seven appearances for England Under-17s.

He underlined his progress last season with seven goals in as many UEFA Youth League matches for Tottenham, which prompted interest from a host of top Premier League clubs, as well as those in other European leagues.

Thompson's early career was guided by his father, who instilled in his son a work ethic, focus and drive that has taken him from humble beginnings to joining arguably the biggest club in world football.

Sadly, Thompson's father never got to see his son sign for United, after he died suddenly last October, with Tynan pointing to the skies and dedicating a goal to his late father after scoring in a fourth successive UEFA Youth League game for Spurs the following month.

Following that tragedy, Thompson's family have also relocated from London to the north-west, for what those close to him have described as a “fresh start” for all concerned and an exciting new chapter.

Thompson has been training with United's first-team squad ahead of their trip to Hull. Image credit: Getty

During his time at Tottenham, Thompson's London-based representatives spent a great deal of time instilling in the teenager the need for professionalism at all times, as much off the pitch as on it, warning of the dangers of hangers-on and those who seek to exploit young players for what they can get out of them, which has become an increasing trend in the modern, awash-with-money, game.

The most glaring recent example of that, and one Thompson's camp are only too aware of, is Alejandro Garnacho, who came through the ranks at United and was so revered that fans reworked their famous 'Viva Ronaldo' terrace chant to acclaim the young winger.

But after his early success in the United first-team, Garnacho developed a sense of entitlement and an arrogance that saw him sold to Chelsea and, after failing to impress there, now finds himself on loan at Aston Villa, his career having stalled at 22-years-old, an age when he should be flourishing as a player, having squandered his chance to become an Old Trafford icon.

With an improved culture and environment now in place at United, one where players are not allowed to put their egos above the interests of the team, the chances of Thompson or other young signings going down the same route as Garnacho are highly unlikely.

Thompson, like fellow youngsters Heaven, Santos, Dorgu, Kobbie Mainoo and Leny Yoro, has the world at his feet at Old Trafford and the opportunity to become a star of the future in the new-look, new-generation United, under the guidance of Carrick.