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Manchester United have missed out on signing midfielder Chris Rigg, 17, after he signed a new three-year contract with Sunderland.
United have had a long-standing relationship with Rigg, who is regarded as one of the most highly rated players of his age group in English youth football.
The youngster, who turned 17 a few weeks ago, has impressed in 23 appearances for Sunderland in the Championship this season, scoring twice in the process.
League became Sunderland’s youngest ever outfield player when he made his debut against Shrewsbury in the 2022/23 FA Cup at just 15 years of age. He went on to become the club’s youngest goalscorer after netting against Crewe Alexander in August of that year.
Rigg is also the captain of England U17s and has represented his country at U15, U16 and U18 levels respectively.
It has been reported that a number of clubs are tracking the midfielder both domestically and on the continent. United were big fans, but Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund were also interested.
Report delivered from man of the people The Red Devils even claimed they were “ready to make the first move” and made a bid for the league in May.
But as Fabrizio Romano has revealed, the 17-year-old has now committed his future to Sunderland by putting pen to paper with a new contract.
Romano says about X:
“Please understand that England U17 captain Chris Rigg has decided to sign a three-year contract with Sunderland until 2027. He is set to stay despite Premier League clubs wanting him, and he needs a new contract and a big financial commitment if he is to stay in the league. Big deal for #SAFC.”
It would be a blow for United given the interest in the midfielder, but in a low-pressure environment with plenty of opportunities for first-team football, the continuity he remains with his boyhood club would be a great development vehicle.
And if the league continues its current momentum, the Red Devils could always consider a move again in the next few years as he develops as a player.
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