Karim Cassim joins Man Utd in double raid on City highlighting youth dominance

Manchester United have signed highly-rated youngster Karim Cassim in a double raid on Manchester City highlighting their greater pull over youth talent.

The 17-year-old midfielder comes with fellow City academy prospect David Eze also set to join the club.

Cassim, an England youth international, was part of the City squad that won the FA Youth Cup last season before deciding his future lay across Manchester at Old Trafford.

The move also come during a period of heightened attention on United's youth setup after 15-year-old JJ Gabriel said he wanted to leave the club amid reported interest from several European sides.

And it is an indication that whether or not Gabriel leaves, United have one of the best youth academies in Europe which is capable of drawing the most exciting talent.

United confirmed Cassim's arrival in a club statement, saying: “Manchester United have agreed the signing of exciting youngster Karim Cassim.

“The England youth international has joined after leaving Manchester City. Everyone at the club would like to welcome Karim to United and we wish him the very best of luck.”

Meanwhile, 16-year-old Eze is a defensive midfielder who was born in Dublin and has represented England at Under-16 and Under-17 level. He is understood to hold a European passport, while his expected move to United follows his development through City's academy.

United's recruitment of the pair highlights the club's continued focus on strengthening the academy, particularly with restrictions on signing overseas players making domestic recruitment increasingly important.

United are also due to complete the signing of 16-year-old Isaac Konde from Liverpool, with the forward set to join Darren Fletcher's Under-18s.

Cassim arrives at United with an FA Youth Cup winners' medal already to his name and will now continue his development with a rival academy.

Away from the youth setup, United have confirmed an addition to Michael Carrick's first-team coaching staff.

Connor King has joined as assistant first-team goalkeeping coach, having previously worked at Burnley.

King joined Burnley in 2018 and held a number of coaching positions during his time at the club before making the move to Old Trafford.