Manchester United have snapped up five of Huddersfield Town’s fledgling talents after the downgrading of the Yorkshire club’s academy.

Sportsmail understands the teenagers signed deals at Old Trafford this week after trials which included friendlies behind closed doors.

Huddersfield decided to scrap teams from their Under 16s down earlier this month.

Man United academy boss Nicky Butt has seen his ranks boosted by five Huddersfield kids

That left tens of youngsters — two of whom recently earned England Under 16 call-ups — released without warning.

United have been quick off the mark to tie some down for nothing and Premier League rivals are battling for the others.

United’s new recruits have the option to carry on their education in Yorkshire or could switch to Ashton-on-Mersey School, a 10-minute drive from United’s Carrington training base.

Meanwhile, United fear that Paul Pogba’s hamstring injury could keep the French midfielder out of action until after the international break in mid-November.