“It’s like a dream come true,” he told ManUtd.com. “I know it’s a cliché to say that but it really is. From the age of nine, growing up in the Academy and seeing players above you get to the places you want to be, it’s just something you strive for. I’m really, really happy.

”A lot of sacrifices had to be made and I feel like it’s paying off now. I mean it’s only step one and there are a lot more steps to come, including obviously getting to the final stage, which is the first team.

“I feel like they [the staff] have given me the pro contract and it's them trusting me and believing in me as a player, that I can go far. So I’m really pleased to have trust from Nicky Butt and, obviously, my manager Neil Ryan.”

Capable of helping organise the defence, he captained the Under-18s against Stoke City and is enjoying the extra responsibility in his second year with the team.

In addition to his defensive work, he is a real threat at the other end of the pitch and capable of setting up and scoring goals. His cool approach work for Mason Greenwood's strike against Valencia in the UEFA Youth League win on Tuesday provided further evidence of his growing maturity.