Manchester United officially announces the signing of a goalkeeper! Amroli denies lack of trust in the academy but does not guarantee playing time for the new rising star.

On Friday, Manchester United officially confirmed the signing of 16-year-old Derby County goalkeeper Charlie Hardy. This England U16 international will join the Red Devils' youth setup and play for the under-18 team coached by Darren Fletcher. Hardy played for Derby’s U18 side at just 15 and has made five appearances for England U16s.

Hardy’s transfer was actually agreed upon five months ago but awaited approval from the FA and Premier League. Now, Manchester United has signed him on an apprenticeship contract, with a professional deal only possible after he turns 17 next July. Upon signing, Hardy said, “I’m proud to join Manchester United, but I still have to keep working hard.”

Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquired shares in Manchester United, several youth prospects have been signed. However, the current first-team squad does not include any homegrown players, and even the substitutes are scarce. Once seen as a "new rising star," Kobe Meno has been sidelined by Amroli, featuring for only one minute as a substitute in the last two matches.

In the match against West Ham United, Meno remained on the bench for the full 90 minutes, drawing public attention. Amroli denied lacking confidence in Manchester United’s academy but refused to guarantee Meno will play, even though three players will be away for the Africa Cup of Nations this month. The 20-year-old England international is not assured of game time.

This season, Meno has only played 171 minutes in the Premier League without starting a single match. His only start was in the League Cup against League Two’s Grimsby, where Manchester United was eventually eliminated. Next Monday, United visits Wolves, where Meno made his name by scoring a stunning goal in February 2024. That season, he also scored in the FA Cup final and represented England in the European Championship final.

However, Meno, once favored by Ten Hag, has been neglected under Amroli and is unlikely to regain a regular spot soon, struggling even for substitute appearances. Amroli is frustrated by the English media’s fixation on this issue but understands the special attention given to an England international.

“I obviously understand why you keep bringing up this topic, and answering questions is part of my job, but I always give the same answers, yet you keep asking the same questions,” Amroli complained. “I get it—you like Kobe (Meno), and he represents England. But that doesn’t mean I have to play him. If I think he shouldn’t be on the pitch, the decision is mine.”

Amroli stressed that his selections are solely based on performance, and Meno is currently not suitable. “I understand your thoughts, but I just want to win games. I try to field the best players, regardless of who they are. I don’t care about that—I only pick the best,” he said. “Look at Ugarte; he has started only twice, once due to Casemiro’s suspension. Bruno Fernandes has consistently been in great form and fulfilled his duties well, which is another reason.”

When asked if Meno might get more chances during the Africa Cup of Nations, Amroli refused to promise anything: “I don’t know; that’s the question. I can’t predict the future; it depends on specific circumstances. I will watch training and if it’s the best option for the team, I will play him. That’s my only criterion.”

Besides Meno, Manchester United academy players like Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey have also been on the bench but did not get playing time. Amroli explained, “In Lacey’s case, even if Mbemou is unavailable, I would choose Amad (Diallo) because I have other experienced full-backs. When you ask why Lacey doesn’t play, it’s because there are other internationals on the bench. My standard is simple: in crucial moments, I field the players who are in the best form and best prepared to win. That’s my only consideration.”