Coventry City old boy news from Coventry Live as we take a look at the career of local lad Charlie McCann since leaving the Sky Blues’ Academy for Old Trafford
A cursory glance at the most recent transfer rumors has revealed the identity of a local boy named Charlie McCann, who was formerly a Coventry City player.
The midfielder began his career on the city’s youth grounds before joining the Sky Blues and making the dream transfer to Manchester United, leaving his hometown team at the young age of 15 for an unknown sum. McCann, who is 22 years old, is reportedly free to leave relegated Forest Green Rovers for a little amount. He has already switched international allegiance twice and is currently searching for his sixth club.
What became of the former City Academy star who was expected to have a successful career in the top division?
After standing out at his age group teams in the Coventry and Warwickshire Youth League, turning out for Coventry Sphinx and Brinklow FC, he caught the eye of Sky Blues’ scouts and promptly joined the Academy at the tender age of eight.
The talented young midfielder continued his outstanding development and progression, leading to an England Under-16s call up and interest from a host of higher placed clubs. And it wasn’t long after that the Red Devils came calling.
Having followed United since a small boy, the lure of Old Trafford was clearly a major factor – his parents having told City that he would have turned down any other club.
“When a big football club come knocking, and it is the club that Charlie supports, you must let him go and have that experience,” revealed then Academy boss Rich Stevens, speaking to CoventryLive in 2018.
“We did not want to sell him, we did not need a fee for him even though there was a fee involved. Charlie goes with complete support from me and the rest of the staff from the Academy. He has been unbelievable for us, even making his England debut back in August.