Manchester United Young Star Says “It’s A Dream Come True”
Arnau Puigmal is a ‘really dynamic’ player who is already ‘settling well’ at Manchester United alongside fellow new additions Largie Ramazani and Millen Baars, according to under-18s coach Kieran McKenna.
The 16-year-old confirmed his move from Espanyol with a photo on Instagram earlier this week, which captured him signing his scholar forms alongside McKenna and club hero Andrew Cole.
The midfielder, who hailed the move as a ‘dream come true’, was named the most valuable player at the Mediterranean International Cup last season, where he particularly impressed against United.
And, having had to wait two months for international clearance, McKenna believes the Spain under-18 international will be a big hit at Carrington.
“He played for Espanyol against our Under-16s at the Med Cup in the second half of last season,” he told Reporters
“He’s a really dynamic, technical midfield player who likes to drive forward and carry the ball. He can handle the ball really well and seems a lovely young man too.
“His English is coming along and he’s settling well, so I am sure he’ll enjoy his time at the club.”
Puigmal has been one of a number of talented youngsters to make the move to Manchester as part of academy chief Nicky Butt’s overhaul of the club’s youth structure.
One of the academy’s more high-profile signings this summer was Millen Baars, who arrived from Ajax after United beat off stiff competition from both Chelsea and Arsenal.
Baars, like Puigmal, had to wait some time for international clearance, but McKenna believes he will make an impact – with some fine tuning.
“Millen was waiting for quite a while as he’s been training at the club,” he added.
“He has had to wait for his clearance to come through but is a really physically impressive player. He is a wide player with a long stride and is really graceful in the way he moves.
“He strikes the ball well off both feet and we’re working really hard to turn him into an effective game player. If we can do that, he’s got such good talent.”
Belgian youngster Largie Ramazani was one of the first to arrive, from Charlton, and McKenna believes the 16-year-old is already making his mark in the dressing room.
“Largie is a tricky wide player who was with Charlton and likes to play on either side,” he added.
“He is very two-footed and likes to score goals. He has a bubbly personality and usually has a smile on his face around the place. He is one of the younger ones but I am sure he can do very well.”
