Trenton native inches closer to playing for Manchester United
The city of Trenton is getting ever closer to having one of its own play for the world’s most famous soccer team.
Matthew Olosunde, one of the first products of Trenton’s Mooch Soccer program, was placed on Manchester United’s reserves team 14 months ago. Two weeks ago, the 19-year-old was asked to travel for ManU’s Premier League fixture at Tottenham.
Although he did not make the match day squad, the former Princeton Day School and Princeton Soccer Association member won’t soon forget the feeling of moving in the same circles as superstars Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
“It was a great experience traveling for the first team and I really enjoyed it,” Olosunde said. “I was not fortunate enough to make the squad but I hope for many other opportunities with them in the future.”
Olosunde was on Manchester’s U18 team when he arrived in early 2016, and was promoted to the reserves this year.
“It’s a big deal that he’s in his second year with ManU,” said Rider coach Charlie Inverso, who helped develop Olosunde at Mooch Soccer along with Mike Van Wagner. “This isn’t like rec soccer where you have to play. They’re investing a lot of money so if they’re keeping you, they’re not doing it just not to hurt your feelings. And he’s an American at ManU. You’ve got to be exceptionally good if you’re a foreigner, particularly an American.”
Olosunde agreed, saying he feels “like I am welcomed with open arms. At the same time, I do feel as if I have to try that extra bit harder and show that extra bit more to prove my worth.”
Inverso also thinks that even though Olosunde did not dress at Tottenham, it was a good sign that he was asked to travel with the first team.
“It’s pretty impressive; obviously they see a future for him because they’re taking him with them to let him see what it’s all about,” Inverso said. “This is amazing. This is Manchester United. People who couldn’t name one soccer team have heard of Manchester United.”
The whole saga is certainly not lost on Olosunde as it unfolds. After completing his high school education at the IMG Academy in Florida, Olosunde gained invaluable experience playing for the Red Bulls under the esteemed Manfred Schellscheidt. Then came the huge step overseas, which he has handled well.
“It has been a great experience being a part of, and playing for, one of the biggest clubs in the world,” he said. “I have enjoyed every minute playing and training as much as anybody given the opportunity. When I first came I was enrolled in an economics course with one of the universities over here and have been planning on what I am going to do next since then. I would say seeing, and training, with players that I’ve watched from far and admired on TV is pretty special.”
Despite the fact everyone on the reserves has the same goal — reach the first team — Olosunde says the players look out for each other even though they are all fighting for promotion.
“It’s a very friendly environment and everyone wants everyone to do well,” he said. “We all try to help each other wherever we can and give credit where it’s deserved. At the end of the day we are all still competing and doing what needs to be done on the field.”
Olosunde, who has gone from right wing to central defender, has gotten regular minutes and positive press in England. The Manchester Evening News noted the 6-foot-1 player “has the athleticism and agility which suggests he is at least physically prepared for first-team football.”
In April, Olosunde scored an unassisted goal in the academy’s Dallas Cup victory over Real Salt Lake. It was nominated for Manchester’s “Goal of the Month” award and finished third in the fan voting.
The only major disappointment for Olosunde over the past year was not being put on the United States U20 National team, but he will use that as motivation. “It’s always disappointing when you aren’t a part of events like the U20 World Cup,” he said. “But I know a lot of the players that have gone and I have faith in all of them. It does make you want to improve more and work harder at your club to prove yourself.”
Considering what club he is on, that shouldn’t be too difficult.
“I think every so often you have to remind yourself that you are playing for Manchester United just to help yourself not get too complacent or too comfortable.” Olosunde said. “It’s just a little way to make you work that extra bit harder.”
Talk to any of Olosunde’s area coaches and be quickly assured he will never stop working hard. He has dedicated himself to soccer and, although he has yet to receive any input from head coach Jose Mourinho about his future, Olosunde likes the progress he has made.
He is focused on making sure it continues.
“I am very happy with where I am in my career at the moment but I am not satisfied,” he said. “Until I have become the best player I can be, and I am playing at the highest level possible, I wont be satisfied. In terms of where I expected to be, it all depends on when we are talking about. When I first came I was not really sure what to expect, but I am happy about how things have gone so far.”