Erik Ten Hag prevented from calling up Man Utd wonderkid, 18, to solve defensive crisis due to little-known rule
MANCHESTER UNITED babe Sonny Aljofree has missed out on a dream place in Erik Ten Hag’s squad because of a little-known loan ruling.
The home-grown defender skippers Red Devils’ Under-21s in Premier League 2 and Ten Hag would have liked to use him with all United’s recent injury problems.
Old Trafford insiders revealed Aljofree would have been on the bench at least and might even have started the FA Cup clash with Liverpool.
But the 19-year-old has been on a joint registration deal with National League side Altrincham since February 1.
That means Aljofree — son of former Swindon and Dundee player Hasney — can play for United’s U21 side but is ineligible for the first team.
Another 19-year-old, French defender Willy Kambwala, has made six Prem appearances.
And Habeeb Ogunneye, 18, was on the bench for the Liverpool Cup tie, then partnered Aljofree in the U21s against West Brom a day later.
Ironically, United were one of the first clubs to use the joint loan system, with a handful of players at non-league clubs while training with their parent club during the rest of the week.
But in Aljofree’s case, they have found the down side is the player cannot appear in the senior team.
Meanwhile, United’s bid to bring in Chelsea’s chief analyst Kyle Macaulay may hinge on a swoop for former Blues boss Graham Potter.
Macaulay and Potter worked together at Swedish side Ostersunds, Swansea and Brighton before teaming up again at Stamford Bridge.
United want Macaulay as part of their new set-up.
But sources close to the Scot say he would only be tempted if Potter is in charge.
And John Murtough is already looking for a new club after leaving Old Trafford in a shake-up this week.
United’s former football director does not plan to be out of work for long and has even been a target for agents looking to represent him.