Layla Drury, Manchester United‘s youngest ever player, is also set to become the youngest player to sign a professional contract with the WSL club.
Drury made her senior debut in January during an FA Cup tie against Burnley. She also scored in that 5-0 victory, becoming United women’s youngest goalscorer.
While she was still only 16, Layla made seven appearances in total across all competitions for Man United last season, as well as 5 substitute appearances in the WSL. Drury made appearances at the youth international level for both Wales and England before switching to England in February.
According to sources, Manchester United plans for Drury to spend the next season with the first team on a full-time basis. She will become the first player to sign a deal with the club before her 18th birthday.
Layla made her debut in January at 16 years, 220 days old, surpassing the record previously set by Lauren James in 2018.
Her success will serve as a benchmark for United’s academy as it looks to develop its own talent pool, with a focus on ensuring its women’s team operates sustainably in the future.
After making her debut in January against Burnley, speaking to MUTV’s Ben Ibson while stood alongside proud team-mate Millie Turner at full-time on Sunday, Drury reflected on her day to remember, “I didn’t expect to come on today and to score on my debut as well – grateful is an understatement! I’m thankful to everyone,” she said.”
“I think the team did really well for me to come into the game and they all encourage me in training and they just say: ‘Go be yourself out there.’ So, I’m just really proud of the team to win today, and I’m just really happy to get a goal.”
“Every day at training, they [my team-mates] just show me so much love and I’m thankful for that.”
