Young Dutch star to sign with Manchester United
Manchester United have beat a host of clubs, including rivals Chelsea and Arsenal, to secure the signature of prodigious Dutch talent Millen Baars from Ajax. The 16-year-old is an attacker by trade and is equally adept at operating from the midfield as well as from the wings. Rumours have been persisting for months on his proposed move to England linking him to an array of clubs. Baars has since then confirmed his move to United through his Instagram account. His father has commented on the move as a "standout transfer."
Different Challange
"We have had talks with Ajax that were between Millen and the club, but it was nothing shocking.
He was even appointed as captain of the B1 team this season," said Stefan Baars speaking to Noordhollands Dagblad (as reported by Football-Oranje).
"Ajax is a great club with a very good youth, but they can unfortunately not cope so very well. You saw in the past with other youth players who now play at other clubs. But Millen was ready for a different challenge."
Baars will be eligible to play for United's Under-18 side from January. Stefan Baars also confirmed that their were interested clubs from Italy and Portugal.
"There was interest from Italy, Portugal and England, but when he was at Chelsea and United to look, he knew he wanted to play in Manchester. He did not even see Arsenal, his choice was made," he added.
Baars will join fellow Dutch youngsters Tahith Chong who was signed from Feyenoord and Timothy Fosu-Mensah who was also signed from Ajax and already has a few first team games under his belt.
Aggressive recruitment policy
United have been aggressive in their policy of recruiting young talents in the last two seasons. Chong, DJ Buffonge, Lee O'Connor, Nishan Burkart and Joshua Bohui all joined the academy in the last year alone.
Former United midfielder Nicky Butt, who is currently the club's academy director said earlier this year that the club would make several signings for the academy this season.
"We're short on a few numbers in the different age groups and it's something we need to address," he said last season. "Something we are addressing and something we will hopefully get over the line in the next few weeks, in time for next season."
