‘The new Cafu’ - Man Utd complete first signing of the summer

Carlo Garganese

• 18 Jun 2024 07:50 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United have completed their first signing of the summer, and their new arrival has been compared to Brazil legend Cafu.

Multiple sources reported on Monday evening that Man Utd have agreed a deal to sign 16-year-old right back James Overy.

Official confirmation is expected to arrive from Man Utd in the coming hours.

READ MORE: Premier League summer transfers 2024: All the Done Deals

Overy will join Man Utd as a first-year scholar and will begin the season with United’s under-18s.

The youngster first impressed at Perth Glory in Australia before relocating with his family in England last year where he starred for Newton Abbot Spurs’ first team.

United beat West Ham and Leicester to the signature of the right back.

READ MORE: Out of contract in 2024: The best free agents available on a Bosman

So what kind of player is Overy?

How good is James Overy?

His former coach Marc Revell said: “He is very much of an attacking wingback, suited to today’s modern game where the fullback spends most of their time in the opponent’s half.

“Tenacious, aggressive going forward and very skilful with a great technique.

“He is a wonderfully polite and humble young man.”

United in Focus also report that Revell compares Overy to Brazil legends Cafu and Roberto Carlos.

Born in Australia. Overy is eligible to play for both Australia and England.

Overy will become Man Utd’s first signing of the summer transfer window.

Erik ten Hag, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the club’s transfer team are working hard to strengthen the team ahead of the 2024-25 season.

United are also in the market for a top centre back, a central midfielder and a more experienced centre forward.

The club endured a difficult past season as they finished eighth in the Premier League and were knocked out in the group stages of the Champions League. They did, however, win the FA Cup as they beat Man City 2-1 in the final.