Manchester United have sold youth team defender Ben Hockenhull to Premier League promotion hopefuls Brentford.
As noted by the Manchester Evening News, Hockenhull, 18, extended his United contract until December due to the uncertainty around the coronavirus pandemic.
But he has now signed a two-year deal with Brentford, a club acclaimed for their efficient recruitment in the transfer market.
The teenage centre-back started 14 times in the U18 Premier League this term and featured in FA Youth Cup victories over Norwich and Leeds before the early curtailment of the season.
United have let go of several talented youngsters this summer and while Hockenhull has shown potential, the youth department is already blessed with plenty of defensive talent.
Academy centre-backs Teden Mengi and Di’Shon Bernard will both be hoping to feature in Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s first team next season.
Hockenhull’s new club Brentford gut-wrenchingly missed out on automatic promotion to the Premier League on Wednesday evening as they were defeated by Barnsley on the final day.
Manager Thomas Frank is now faced with the task of picking up his players ahead of Sunday’s Championship play-off semi-final first leg against Swansea City.
We wish Hockenhull the best of luck as he continues his development at Brentford next season.
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