A former Manchester United starlet, once described as an ‘absolute bargain’ following his £1.35 million move from Premier League rivals Manchester City is set to move to the Championship this summer.
The goalscoring 20-year-old departed the Red Devils this summer in an attempt to seek opportunities elsewhere after failing to break through into the first team at Old Trafford. This ended his spell at his boyhood club after joining them as a youth.
Despite supporting United, the forward did have a spell at Manchester City, joining them in 2014, but departed in 2020 to return to the club he supports in a £1.35 million move (initial fee £750,000). The move was at the time described as an ‘absolute bargain’ for a player that the club firmly believed had what it took to become the latest academy graduate to join the first team.
However, despite scoring 24 goals in 31 games in his first Under-18 season at the club, and making his debut in the Europa League in 2022, the chance to make an impact soon slipped away.
In January he linked up with League Two club Newport County, going straight into the side, but his goal return of 2 goals in 20 appearances failed to light up the fourth tier. The following summer he joined Stevenage, but again failed to impress and after just three appearances and one goal he was recalled mid-way through his spell.
Now according to Pete O’Rouke, he could be set to make the move to Sheffield Wednesday, who have reportedly agreed a fee for the player.
A gain for Sheffield Wednesday or a loss for Manchester United?
This is not just another youth cast off from a Premier League side, this is a player that was touted to be the next break through talent at one of the biggest clubs in the world. His statistics at youth level demonstrate his ability and knack for popping up with goals. However, after failing to translate that into the men’s game, even at League Two level will be a concern.
The player is still young and Sheffield Wednesday, even though they may sign him now, could still look to test him out in pre-season before facilitating another loan spell in the EFL. If he is to find a temporary switch that would allow him to even unlock 50% of his goalscoring rate in the academy then the Owls have a serious asset on their hands that will only increase in value.
It is all up to how McNeill develops now and if he is able to turn that potential into ability in a senior environment.