Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Ulster footie ace Ethan, 16, gets dream move to Utd
Player over the moon after landing contract
A 16-YEAR-OLD footballer from Northern Ireland has told how he is “living the dream” after signing for Manchester United. Ethan Galbraith will travel to Old Trafford this weekend to put pen to paper on a three-year contract with the Red Devils. He impressed in two trials after being spotted by United scout Tony Coulter playing for Linfield Under 16s. That led to a visit to Old Trafford in January when Ethan signed a pre-contract in the presence of United’s Academy boss Nicky Butt and Ryan Giggs. Ethan – who is an Arsenal fan – will travel to Manchester this weekend to rubber-stamp the deal, which will involve a one-year scholarship followed by a two-year pro contract. The excited teenager, from Glengormley, Co Antrim, said: “It is massive and I am buzzing for it. I am over the moon. “I signed my pre-contract with Nicky Butt and Ryan Giggs in January. It was unbelievable meeting them. “I went over to watch United play Liverpool at Old Trafford. Then I went into a room to sign the contract and when I saw Giggs and Butt, it was mental. “I will be playing with the under 18s next season but the big aim is to progress to the first team.” Ethan started his football career with Carnmoney Colts before playing for underage teams at Ballyclare Comrades, Glentoran and Crusaders. The defensive midfielder also enjoyed two spells with Linfield before securing his big move to Manchester United. His boyhood dream was to one day play full-time football in England but he admitted signing for the club is “surreal”. He added: “I always wanted to do this from a young age but to be honest I never would have dreamt of signing for Manchester United. It is amazing.” Ethan will work under Northern Ireland man Kieran Mckenna, who manages the U18 side. He added: “I met him and he is really dead on.” Ethan is the current captain of Northern Ireland U17s and has also featured for the U18 side. The former Glengormley High School pupil hopes he can continue his rise through the ranks at international level. He said: “I would love to eventually play senior football for Northern Ireland but at the minute I am just concentrating on my club game and taking things from there.”