United’s 18yo creative gem on trial at high-flying EFL side as summer exit looms large – report

Manchester United could be about to lose yet another academy gem if the latest reports are to be believed. During the January transfer window, U18 ace Edward Ibrovic-Fletcher decided to leave Carrington to join arch-rivals Leeds United. Now, according to Centredevils, another U18 wonderkid, James Bailey, is considering leaving. The 18-year-old is currently on trial at League One side Stockport County. Should he impress, a summer move looks to be on the cards. James Bailey on trial at Stockport County Stockport are fourth in League One and firmly in the mix for promotion to the Championship. “CentreDevils can reveal that Manchester United youngster James Bailey is currently on trial with League One side, Stockport County. “The 18-year-old attacking midfielder is understood to be on trial with Stockport, having joined them for their recent clash with Preston North End. “It’s understood that any move following the trial is set to take place in the summer.” Summer move on the cards Capable of playing as a central midfielder as well as an attacking midfielder, the Englishman has been a regular feature under Darren Fletcher. He has made 14 appearances in all competitions, scoring once. The midfielder also has one appearance for United’s U21s this campaign. Formerly of Wigan Athletic, James Bailey joined the Red Devils in 2021 before making his U18 debut at the age of 15. He was among multiple U18 stars to be called up for first team training by former head coach Ruben Amorim last year. Whether he joins Stockport in the summer or chooses to stay at United will be interesting to see. The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25