American youth international Matthew Olosunde, centre, signed with Man United earlier this year. Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images

Manchester United's American teenager Matthew Olosunde is a player the club are "really excited about," according to academy manager Nicky Butt.

The 18-year-old defender from Trenton, New Jersey, was signed by United on Jan. 29. Olosunde's arrival at the club was confirmed on March 11 after international clearance was received, and he then made his debut for their under-18s against Brighton & Hove Albion.

The versatile player can play at centre-back and right-back.

Butt, quoted on the club's official website, said: "He's one that's been ongoing for a while. With the clearance it took him a while but we've got him.

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

Olosunde, who was formerly with the New York Red Bulls academy, was set to be play for Duke University in North Carolina in the fall until United signed him.

He will hope to follow in the footsteps of other teenagers who have been promoted from the club's youth set-up, with Marcus Rashford and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson having shone for the senior squad this season.