In a move that will not surprise many supporters, United have now officially announced the signing of Angelo Henríquez from Universidad de Chile. After receiving a governing body endorsement several weeks ago, Sir Alex Ferguson has moved to snap up the 18-year-old for an undisclosed fee.
Even though Henríquez only started playing professionally last year, he has made a huge impact in the Chilean leagues and has emerged as one of the top players in the country. Despite only playing seventeen games, the striker still managed eleven goals and such a return has prompted United to make a move. His international record is also very encouraging and while he is still waiting to make his senior debut for the national team, he has impressed immensely at youth level having managed twenty goals in eighteen games across all age groups.
However, it’s not just his recent form that has attracted the Red Devils. Henríquez has been on the club’s radar for several years and United came to an agreement with Universidad de Chile in 2009 to have first refusal on the player until 2014. It’s understood that the agreed figure was €4m, with Ferguson deciding to take up the option now that the forward has turned 18.
Following the conclusion of the transfer, Ferguson said, “Angelo has made a tremendous impact on the game in his short career so far. His pace is a great asset and he reads the game really well for someone of such a young age. We have a proud record of developing young talent and Angelo fits the profile of a United player – skilful, attacking and someone who plays the game with real flair.”
Henríquez revealed that it was a huge honour to sign for United, as the player prepares to wear the No.21 shirt this term.