Manchester United sign goalkeeper Theo Richardson after 'outstanding performances' during trial with U18s

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Manchester United have bolstered their goalkeeping ranks by snapping up highly-rated teenager Theo Richardson.

The 18-year-old shot-stopper has been rewarded with a permanent contract after impressing during a short-term trial at the back end of last season.

Richardson plied his trade at Leeds' academy before being given the chance to earn a full-time deal at Old Trafford. 

Manchester United have snapped up highly-rated 18-year-old goalkeeper Theo Richardson

The shot-stopper has been rewarded with a permanent contract after impressing during a trial

Richardson poses in United's keeper shirt

He impressed on his debut in the mini Manchester derby at the Etihad in March, making a series of stunning saves to help the Red Devils secure a 2-2 draw.

The keeper was also handed a taste of Under 23s action last season when he was named on the bench for the penultimate game of the campaign against Arsenal.  

'Signed on a permanent contract after arriving on a short-term basis towards the end of the 2016-17 season', reads Richardson's profile on United's website. 

'One of four keepers with the reserves squad at the training camp in Austria — with Kieran O'Hara, Max Johnstone and Ilias Moutha-Sebtaoui — and likely to push for a place in the Under 23s and UEFA Youth League squad.

Richardson plied his trade at Leeds' academy before being given chance to impress at United

'Formerly with Leeds United, he produced some outstanding performances when thrust into the Reds' U18s team to earn a deal over the course of the summer.'

The former Leeds youngster was part of the squad who played at the Dallas Cup, featuring against Coritiba, Chivas and Real Salt Lake.

He is now preparing to play a part in United's return to the prestigious Super Cup NI tournament — formerly the Milk Cup — in Northern Ireland this week.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has a number of young keepers at his disposal