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Philadelphia-born Matthew Olosunde might have hoped for some freedom to join the senior squad this week after three more defenders suffered injuries.

Olosunde, 19, could make the United matchday squad at Tottenham after he was photographed leaving Stockport Station with the rest of the squad on Saturday afternoon.

The United States youth international's promotion caps a memorable month for Olosunde after he scored a fine solo goal in the academy's Dallas Cup victory over Real Salt Lake last month.

His strike was among the nominations for United's Goal of the Month award for April and Olosunde has defied the Reserves' hindrances to enjoy a decent start to his career with the club.

Standing at 6ft 1ins, Olosunde started his career as a right winger before developing into a defender.

The central defender Olosunde only joined United 14 months ago after a spell with New York Red Bulls and has the athleticism and agility which suggests he is at least physically prepared for first-team football.

Olosunde has spent a chunk of his United juniors career in midfield but has also played at right-back and that versatility should make his promotion less of a surprise.

Upon Olosunde's arrival, academy head Nicky Butt was effusive about his talents.

"He’s a good player, a nice lad and a really good athlete," Butt said. "Hopefully, we’ll see a lot from him in the coming years because he’s someone we’re really excited about."

Olosunde's route to United was not conventional. He quit New York Red Bulls to go to college and was named as one of Duke University's six new recruits ahead of last season.

Duke head coach John Kerr told Go Dukes last year: "Matthew is a fantastic player who is comfortable playing in the back or in midfield. He has wicked pace and has incredible defensive recovery speed.

"He has great one vs one instincts on both sides of the ball and will help us right away in a number of positions."

Olosunde officially completed his move to United on January 29 last year but his arrival was announced by the club in March after he received international clearance.

His former mentor Kerr compared Olosunde to Dani Alves.

"He’s incredibly athletic," Kerr said: "He doesn’t look like the strongest guy in the world, but he’s pretty strong. His recovery pace is very impressive.

"He’s played a number of positions. He’s played centre defensive midfield, he’s dabbled a bit at centre-back, but for the national team he mostly plays right back. His best position might be right full-back. He has so much pace, that he can be like that Dani Alves type, that gets up and down the field. He loves to go forward and get to the final third.

"I think like every young player he has to work on his technique. He just needs to continue to grow. He’s a very quiet young man, but he’s got a lot of personality once you get to know him. He’s a fun loving guy that likes to smile. He’s a very sensible kid, he takes care of himself, and he’s desperate to make it."

Olosunde has started 14 games for the Under-23s this season, scoring one and creating four.

Should Olosunde feature against Arsenal he will become just the fifth American to play for United after James Brown, Edward McIlvenney, Tim Howard and Jonathan Spector.

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