Manchester United award professional contract to Northern Irish teenager

"It's a proud moment for me and my family."

With 2017/18 in the bag, Manchester United are getting some business done nice and early. To that end, United have handed a professional contract to a Northern Irish teenager who has impressed in his first season with the club's Under-18s. Ethan Galbraith joined United last July and has settled in quickly, making 15 appearances [10 starts] for Kieran McKenna's side. Back in April, the Belfast native was awarded the club's goal of the month accolade for this super strike against Manchester City. [caption id="attachment_160769" align="aligncenter" width="632"] Credit: ManUtd.com[/caption] The midfielder penned his new contract beside United's academy director Nicky Butt. He told the club website:

"Growing up as a young kid, obviously I always wanted to play football - especially for the biggest club in the world as well. "I'm very proud and just want to push on from here. It's been a great year. We won the league but, obviously, that's a bonus. I just struck it well against City. I didn't know what to do when I was celebrating because it was my first goal for the club as well, but it was very exciting! "I've settled in well with the family I've moved in with and it's all been great."

Having just turned 17 earlier this month, Galbraith will be hoping to push on with United's U19 and U23 sides next season.