Yet another Manchester United academy wonderkid has put pen-to-paper on his first professional contract with the club.
Recently, The Peoples Person had relayed that Godwill Kukonki had also signed his first professional deal, and now, James Overy has followed in the footsteps of his U18 teammate.
As reported by The Manchester Evening News, the right-back has now on the dotted lines after impressing for the age group teams in his debut season in Manchester.
“Manchester United youngster James Overy has signed a professional contract with the club.
Overy signs contract
“United signed Overy to the academy on a scholarship deal last summer and the defender has now been rewarded with a professional contract, which is recognition of his potential.”
His arrival did not go as per plan, after a delay in his registration. Following that, he picked up an injury that kept him out of action for eight months.
He eventually made his U18s debut in February of this year against Liverpool with then-U18 boss Adam Lawrence full of praise for his tenacity and mentality.
James Overy has signed his first professional contract for Manchester United.
The right back struggled with injuries last season but impressed after returning to action late in the campaign.
Really excited to watch him in the coming months. pic.twitter.com/j7qFCRJtci
— SCOOP. (@AcademyScoop) July 23, 2025
“It’s been really hard for James because obviously he’s made the move from Australia and he’s a terrific lad, first of all.
“But he got injured in pre-season and you can see he’s such a great lad, a great kid and has such good energy and he wanted to be back. A real credit to him because he stayed positive throughout.
Great comeback from injury
“It’s not affected him in terms of his positivity. And listen, it’s obviously disappointing what’s happened in the game, but for him to be back and playing football again is brilliant.”
He eventually ended with 10 appearances in total, nine for the U18s while he also made his debut for the U21 side in a PL2 game against arch-rivals Leeds United.
James Overy scored once and registered an assist and even got called up to first-team training in May.
With his first professional deal in the bag, he will look to make an impression while playing for the academy so that he gets a chance to train with the first team again and hopefully, catch Ruben Amorim’s eye in the process.
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
