Man Utd and Liverpool chase 15-year-old defender after 'outstanding' Rochdale debut
MANCHESTER UNITED and Liverpool are keeping track of Luke Matheson’s development after he made his Rochdale debut aged just 15 this week, according to reports.
Liverpool and Manchester United are constantly looking at ways to enhance their youth teams and are famed for bringing players through to the first team - although both have slowed in recent year.
Marcus Rashford, Jesse Ligard, Andreas Pereira and Scott McTominay are the only players in the current United squad from the youth team.
While at Anfield Trent Alexander-Arnold has become a regular.
Rochdale boss Hill was full of praise for Matheson after his debut and was pleased he was able to transfer his training ground promise onto the pitch.
“Luke Matheson - wow!” said Hill.
Transfer news: Luke Matheson is on Manchester United and Liverpool's radar (Image: Rochdaleafc.co.uk)
Transfer news: Luke Matheson made his first team debut on Tuesday night (Image: Rochdaleafc.co.uk)
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
“That first-half was a little insight into what we see on the training pitch. We know what he can do. It's not a leap of faith because we know he can do it, but is he cut out for the pressure of real men's football?
“He's been training with the first team whilst he's not been at school during the summer and I'm really pleased for him that he got his chance. They're special nights when that happens.
“He was outstanding.”
Matheson who was back in for day two of year 11 on Wednesday says his team-mate treat him like one of them.
“All the first team players have looked after me and they've welcomed me in,” said Matheson.
“They still foul me sometimes and let me know that they're there, and I like that because it's better than them treating me like a kid!”