Layla Drury, a 17-year-old forward, has made history by signing her first professional contract with Manchester United. This milestone was announced on Friday, marking her as the youngest player ever to sign with the club and the Women’s Super League (WSL).
Drury, who debuted for Manchester United in January during an FA Cup match against Burnley, scored in that game, making her the youngest goalscorer for the women’s team at just 16 years and 220 days old. This achievement surpasses the previous record held by Lauren James since 2018.
Drury's Career Path and Achievements
Last season, while still 16, Drury made seven appearances across all competitions, including five in the WSL. In addition to her club success, she has played at youth international levels for both Wales and England, switching her allegiance to England earlier this year.
Manchester United's strategy for Drury includes a full-time position on the first team for the upcoming season, emphasizing the club's commitment to developing young talent within their academy.
Future Prospects for Manchester United Women
The signing of Drury is viewed as a significant step for Manchester United Women, showcasing the club's dedication to nurturing homegrown talent. This approach aims to create a sustainable future for the women's team by integrating young players into the senior squad.
Drury's journey is seen as a success story, reflecting the club's ambition to develop players who can contribute at the highest level. Her record-breaking contract is expected to inspire other young athletes in women's football.
Latest Transfer News in Women's Football
In other news, the Women's Super League has seen notable transfers, including the signing of Nicole Anyomi by London City Lionesses on a four-year deal. Anyomi, who previously played for Eintracht Frankfurt and was part of the Germany squad that reached the final of the 2022 European Championship, expressed her excitement about joining the Lionesses.
- Drury's debut: January 2023
- Age at signing: 17
- Previous record holder: Lauren James
- Number of appearances last season: 7
- Goals scored: 1
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Guardian Football. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
