but they have got a real prodigy on their hands'

This summer, Ineos have chosen to push ahead with their long-term vision for Manchester United. While the arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans have stolen the headlines, the Reds have kept one eye firmly on the future. The acquisition of Tynan Thompson from Tottenham Hotspur was seen as a coup for United.

With Thompson seeking a move due to personal reasons, United swooped in to offer him an exit route. This week, the Reds continued their new strategy by bringing in Kit Margetson. He arrives at Carrington on a free transfer, having previously played for Swansea City, but he cut his teeth in senior football at Cymru Premier side Connah's Quay last season.

The 20-year-old made 31 appearances in the Welsh top flight, conceding 37 goals. He soon established himself as a key player for the North Wales club and his form caught the eye of scout Tony Coton. Coton is a name familiar to United fans after his influential role in the signing of Senne Lammens last season.

"Senne, we were always looking at goalkeepers that have got huge potential," director of football Jason Wilcox said last year. "Senne was available and we decided to move, but it wasn't a knee-jerk reaction. Tony Coton was putting Senne on my radar 12 months ago and he was relentless with it.

"This guy is going to be a top signing for us and he has started well, but he has got to keep it going. He is very reflective and he is very professional with his approach."

Looking to find another gem, Coton travelled to Flintshire to watch Margetson in action against The New Saints (TNS). It is now clear Coton liked what he saw.

"When Kit Margetson joined Connah's Quay, it was seen as a star pick up for them," Harrison Jones, founder of Y Clwb Pel-droed, told the Manchester Evening News. "He'd had experiences within Wales before with Swansea City, but never within the senior game.

"He was definitely one of the standout 'keepers in the Cymru Premier last season. This is a league where we have seen Cardiff City and Wales youngsters first play and there is plenty to suggest he can follow in those footsteps."

Jones continued: "Tony Coton saw him against TNS and he had obviously picked out Lammens before. They kind of feel the same with their height and how they command the box, they both have quick reactions too. United have got a real prodigy on their hands."

One of Lammens' notable strengths last season was the composure he brought to the team. When asked about his personality after signing for the Reds, the Belgium international told United's club website: "I think if you want to be a good goalkeeper, you have to be a rock behind the defence.

"They have to trust you and count on you in difficult moments. That is something I take pride in. Of course, I can improve in this because the next level is bigger, but it is one of my attributes that I am proud of and I try to improve.

"My parents are also really calm and collected, but [I also developed this mentality] from growing up, when I was in the youth and I thought about the goalkeeper I wanted to become later in life, I think one of the best attributes you can have as a goalkeeper is staying calm under pressure, in any circumstances, even if you make a mistake or something. You just move on and try to give your best to the team."

Jones sees similar characteristics in Margetson.

"I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to interview him," he said. "He's a very calm and relaxed guy. I would say he's a person who's never really been in front of the camera, as such. He keeps himself to himself and he is very composed.

"I think [Connah's Quay] knew they were not going to be able to sign Margetson again this season. They say never fall in love with a loan player, but that's exactly what they did there."

Jones admitted that he did not predict Margetson's next move to be to United, describing it as a 'massive surprise' when the links first emerged. And while the similarities to Lammens cannot be ignored, Jones believes the natural next step for the youngster should be to a more modest level.

"You're looking at a standard of like the National League/the top of the National North and South Leagues [in the Cymru Premier]," Jones concluded. "Kit has come up against defenders and attackers who are very physical.

"I think if he is to move into the Man United academy, he deserves a loan spell. In my opinion, it has to be in League Two, based on the competitiveness of the Cymru Premier that he has just played in.

"This move is sort of unheard of for the Cymru Premier but I think there are a lot of well-wishes towards Kit. Perhaps not from the strikers he thwarted, though."

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