Manchester United has officially completed the free transfer signing of a new goalkeeper! Sir Jim criticizes the academy, leaving players' parents puzzled.

According to "Sports Network," Manchester United has officially signed English goalkeeper Charlie Hardy from Championship club Derby County. The 16-year-old will enter the club’s youth system and represent the Red Devils U18 squad under Darren Fletcher’s management.

Manchester United had long agreed terms with Hardy but had to go through the Premier League’s five-step procedure for registering young players. This process was fully completed yesterday, with Hardy signing an apprenticeship contract; once he turns 17 next July, he will be eligible to sign a professional contract.

Hardy has been selected five times for England’s U16 national team, making his debut under former Manchester United academy coach Neil Ryan. Remarkably, at just 14 years old, Hardy was included in Derby County’s U18 matchday squad for a game against Manchester United.

At 15, Hardy was already playing for Derby County’s U18s, but his contract was only a one-year scholarship deal, allowing him to join Manchester United on a free transfer. United’s rich tradition in youth development, having featured at least one academy graduate in every first-team matchday squad since 1937, attracted Hardy to leave Derby County after nine years and join the Red Devils.

“After spending nearly a decade at Derby County, it’s time to start a new chapter,” Hardy said. “Those nine years were incredible, and I want to thank everyone at the club for their support and help throughout this journey. I’m grateful to all my teammates and cherish the memories. I wish Derby County all the best for the future.”

Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is very passionate about youth development and enjoys “finding hidden gems” among young players. However, his recent remarks have confused academy staff and parents of aspiring footballers. Sir Jim stated that United’s academy has significantly declined and now lags behind rivals like Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal.

Sir Jim said, “In terms of youth development, Manchester United has indeed underperformed. The academy should consistently nurture talent, which also benefits the club financially. But it’s not as simple as flipping a switch; improving the academy takes time. That’s why we have appointed a new head of youth development.”

However, The Sun reported that United’s academy coaches and players’ parents reacted negatively to Sir Jim’s comments. The club’s latest meetings and surveys with parents showed 80% satisfaction regarding their children’s experiences at United. Sources said, “Sir Jim’s remarks don’t reflect the parents’ views, but his words have unsettled some kids and their families. He may have inadvertently caused some parents to consider whether their children should move to other clubs.”

A source added, “His comments are unhelpful and confusing. Most young players are very happy at United; they have top-class training facilities and excellent changing rooms. Carrington has even built a new parents’ lounge, and kids can access first-team facilities, including gyms and rehab equipment. This contrasts sharply with Sir Jim’s statements. Most parents believe he has his own agenda, but it hasn’t had the intended effect. Coaches try to stay positive and composed, but you can imagine how his words have impacted them—they don’t understand what Sir Jim is trying to convey.”

It is widely believed that Sir Jim’s remarks serve to boost his own image by emphasizing his efforts to improve the club’s youth system. Data shows that during the nine years when former academy director Niko Kovač was in charge, 35 academy players made their first-team debut, including Rashford, McTominay, Mason Greenwood, Garnacho, and Kobbie Mainoo.

Between 2019 and 2024, academy players accounted for 25% of Manchester United’s first-team playing time, a figure only surpassed in the top five leagues by Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga. Last season in the Premier League, United also ranked second in providing opportunities for young players.

Kovač left United this summer to become Everton’s technical director, and the club appointed Stephen Topp as head of the academy. Topp, formerly from Manchester City, has worked alongside United’s current sporting director Jason Wilcox. This further strengthens the so-called “Manchester City faction” at United, with club CEO Omar Berrada also coming from the “Blue Moon” side.