Indy Boonen to Manchester United: Background and Expectations for 16-Year-Old

Manchester United reportedly signed Belgian 16-year-old Indy Boonen, the youngster penning his first professional contract after training with the Red Devils at Carrington for the past few weeks.

According to the Het Belang Van Limburg website (h/t ESPN FC), Boonen has signed a three-year deal at Old Trafford, and he will initially play for United's reserves.

Belgian journalist Kristof Terreur reports the youngster's excitement at the deal while also providing an insight into Boonen's playing style:

According to ESPN FC's report, Boonen was also being targeted by the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal, Feyenoord and Wolfsburg, and he had been invited to train with said clubs.

However, United have seemingly won the race to sign up the talented youngster, who has been with Belgian club Genk for the last seven years, per 101 Great Goals. 

United have historically been adept at developing youngsters, particularly in Sir Alex Ferguson's reign, with Louis van Gaal continuing such a tradition this season, giving numerous opportunities to the likes of James Wilson, Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett.

Boonen should develop well in the United setup—although he is unlikely to be a first-team fixture any time soon—and he joins compatriots Adnan Januzaj and Marouane Fellaini at the club.

The Old Trafford outfit is also reportedly tracking Boonen's brother, 13-year-old Seppe, a budding goalkeeper.