Manchester United’s Jack Moorhouse could be set for a loan move after attracting interest according to reports.
The 19-year-old impressed for United’s U21s last season, earning him a number of matchday call-ups from Ruben Amorim but he is yet to make his competitive debut.
Amorim has surprisingly left Moorhouse out of tomorrow’s squad for the pre-season clash with rivals Leeds United, pointing to the fact a loan exit may be on the cards.
The Daily Mail’s Nathan Salt has reported that “Leyton Orient have expressed interest in taking Jack Moorhouse on loan this summer.”
There are multiple clubs interested though as “Huddersfield also remain keen” after previous reports but no decision has been made yet.
Experience on loan
Despite possessing qualities missing from United’s first team squad, Amorim has been reluctant to give Moorhouse a chance.
A prolific dribbler, Moorhouse was a constant threat throughout last season for the U21s after returning from a series of lengthy injuries.
Combining great pace with close control, Moorhouse’s dribbling is a nightmare for any opposition player.
He possesses a directness which is rare among midfielders, with his threat on the ball exactly what United missed at times in the number 10 position under Amorim last term.
He has been unable to convince Amorim yet, and a loan exit looks to be on the cards for the Ireland youth international who will look to improve the other facets of his game.
Leyton Orient
A move to East London could prove fruitful given manager Richie Wellens’ track record with loan players.
Relying heavily on loanees Josh Keeley and Jamie Donley from Tottenham Hotspur and Charlie Kelman from QPR last season, Wellens has shown he is willing to place his trust in young loan players while also playing attractive football.
Closer to home, former United academy graduate Ethan Galbraith showed great development last season at Leyton Orient which earned him a move to Swansea City.
A United man himself, Wellens came through the club’s Carrington academy in the 1990s and his son Charlie Wellens is also recent graduate, coming through a few age groups older than Moorhouse.
Huddersfield Town
The United connections aren’t just present at Leyton Orient though, as Huddersfield Town are also managed by a former United man.
Former United keeper Lee Grant has recently taken charge at Huddersfield where he has been joined by Paul McShane, who recently said his goodbyes to United after four years coaching in the academy where he crossed paths with Moorhouse.
In his first managerial role, Grant’s job security will be something United will consider when deciding on Moorhouse’s next club.
Manager sackings have seen a number of loans go awry for United youngsters in recent years but the club may look at the presence of McShane as beneficial enough to take the risk.
No decision has been made yet but can be expected in due course as Jack Moorhouse looks to take his first steps in senior football.
Feature image George Wood via Getty Images
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Colm Murphy
A football obsessed Canadian who moved to England to enjoy the beautiful game. Colm has been keen follower of Manchester United’s famed academy since seeing a fresh faced Adnan Januzaj for the club’s u18s and has been writing about football with a focus on youth development for over 10 years.
