Manchester United aims to sign a Man City academy prodigy! Negotiations underway to outbid Arsenal, Sir Jim continues to cash in on youth talent.

Manchester United's U18 team secured a 3-1 away victory over Manchester City's U18 last Saturday, with goals from Gabriel, Chido Obi, and Jim Switz, delivering a comprehensive win for Darren Fletcher's squad. However, despite this, United's U18s remain one point behind City in the standings after playing three more matches, highlighting the current gap in youth development levels between the two clubs.

Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquired shares in Manchester United, he has focused on recruiting youth players, a strategy seen as a "lottery ticket" in football that helps save money. One of the Red Devils' latest targets is Manchester City's Kasen Brown.

Fifteen-year-old Brown currently plays for Manchester City's U16 team and has been called up to England's U16 national squad. According to "Football Insider," Brown will leave City at the end of this season, with Manchester United already in talks with his agent, showing interest in signing him. Brighton, Nottingham Forest, and Leeds United are also keen on acquiring him.

Brown is a left-back, and although Manchester United already has several young talents in that position, such as 18-year-olds Diego Leon and Harry Armas, the club still hopes to persuade Brown to join the Red side of Manchester, appealing to the club's 88-year tradition of fielding at least one academy graduate in every match lineup.

Interestingly, under Ruben Amorim's management, that streak nearly ended, but Manchester United eventually included Jack Fletcher in the squad, preserving the remarkable record. Despite being the son of United legend Darren Fletcher, Jack actually came through Manchester City's youth system.

Jack Fletcher and his twin brother Taylor both trained at Manchester City from a young age. When Carrick arranged for Taylor to make his Red Devils debut, the Fletcher family set another incredible record: for the first time since 1888, a father and his twin sons have all played for top-flight teams.

In recent years, Manchester City has developed some top talents, with Phil Foden playing for Guardiola's first team, while several others have left the "Citizens" to shine at other Premier League clubs, such as Morgan Rogers at Aston Villa and Cole Palmer at Chelsea.

Manchester United is also competing with Arsenal to sign Blackburn Rovers' 17-year-old striker Igor Tyjon, who has scored 4 goals and provided 1 assist in 6 appearances for Blackburn U21 this season. However, his contract is nearing expiration, and he is preparing to leave Blackburn.

Arsenal is most interested and has made several offers, with the highest reaching £1 million, all of which have been rejected. Now, Manchester United plans to "intercept." According to "TEAMtalk," United has already discussed a free transfer this summer with Tyjon's agent, outlining their development plans to attract the young player. Liverpool, Leeds United, and Newcastle United are also trying to sign him on a free transfer, leaving the final decision to the player.

Manchester United has strong ties with Blackburn; club legend Phil Jones recently joined new Blackburn manager Michael O'Neill's coaching staff. Over 14 years ago, Jones transferred from Blackburn to United and won the Premier League under Sir Alex Ferguson. His career was cut short at 31 due to serious injuries. In the past two years, Jones has worked within United's youth system and earned a UEFA A coaching license. Now, just days before his 34th birthday, Jones officially steps onto the first-team coaching stage.