Manchester United Transfer News: Wonderkid Josh Doughty Reportedly to Join

Canadian wonderkid Josh Doughty has reportedly suggested he will sign for Manchester United after a tweet—citing his medical with the club—appeared on his personal Twitter account.

The tweet, which originally read "Manchester United medical. √," was deleted shortly after MLSSoccer.com reported it.

Alex Harris of the Daily Star believes Doughty will join Dutch defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah in the club's development squad. Fosu-Mensah's move from Ajax was agreed at the beginning of September and underlines the Red Devils' focus on youth since Louis van Gaal took over.

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While the boss spent in the region of £150 million during the summer, he has relied on youth products to help improve the senior squad. Centre-backs Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair have been the main benefactors of Van Gaal's faith, while Adnan Januzaj continues to build on last season's breakthrough with a run in the first team.

James Wilson, the 18-year-old who notched a brace against Hull last term, has also enjoyed some substitute performances in recent weeks. Jesse Lingard started this year's opening Premier League match, but he was forced off with injury, while full-back Reece James has been unable to claim a place in the senior team after joining them for pre-season.

Doughty doesn't turn 18 until April, and he is therefore likely to confirm a youth contract with the Red Devils. The striker is available to do so before officially reaching adulthood due to having two British parents, per MLSSoccer.com. As such, Doughty is available to represent Canada, England and USA (where he has lived since the age of four) at international level.

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The former Real Salt Lake prospect was listed as a Manchester United player during October's squad announcement for the Canadian under-18 side. He is a sharp finisher and used to leading the line by himself, as highlighted by his three goals during the 2014 Generation Adidas Cup, which saw Salt Lake reach the final.

His sharp play can be seen below:

Doughty faces a challenging task to break into the United setup, but he is likely to be given every opportunity under Van Gaal. Aside from the aforementioned players he has brought through this season, the Dutch manager is credited with helping the likes of Victor Valdes, Andres Iniesta and Thomas Muller establish their talents on the senior scene.

Sebastian Saucedo, who used to play alongside Doughty at Salt Lake, wished his former colleague well:

"

Brother I wanted to congratulate you and wish you nothing but the best at ManU. Enjoyed some of the best moments w/you.⚽️ @joshdoughtyy

— Sebastian Saucedo (@Tian__21) November 13, 2014"

United currently rest seventh in the Premier League, two points off the Champions League places. Van Gaal's side need to strengthen across the board in January to grab at least fourth, but it's encouraging to see so much responsibility placed on youth. McNair, for example, can look forward to an exciting future in the first team.

Doughty will have to work extremely hard to stand out at the club, but he has proven himself an enticing star.