But United have struck a blow to City by recruiting two of their rival’s most valued assets as part of a drastic overhaul of the club’s academy set-up after an internal review, instigated by executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, concluded that that large scale improvements were required to the scouting, recruitment and coaching structures.

It is thought United are also hopeful of enticing two more City scouts in the coming weeks as well.

City have reacted to the departures of Harrison and Tomlinson, and United's bid to snare another two figures, by tying a glut of their scouts to new, improved contracts, eager to ensure there is not a further “brain drain” to United and other prominent Premier League rivals in the near future.