United's extensive overseas partnerships has resulted in two exciting prospects joining the Academy.

Irish midfielder Shane Murray and Spanish utility player Carlos Pomares have both settled into the club's Shirecliffe base and will be looking to cement a place in United's team for the FA Premier Academy League campaign, which will kick-off next month.

The duo, two of ten new first year scholars to sign for the club this summer, represent just a fragment of the success of United's worldwide partnerships. The Blades have links with a number of organisations, including Arklow Town in Ireland, from which Murray was signed, and Alboraya UD in Spain, the former club of Pomares.

Academy boss Ron Reid is delighted the pair are with the club but warns that their journeys in professional football are only just beginning.

He said: "It is thanks to our links that we have managed to bring these players in but I must stress that this is just the first step on to the ladder. It is up to both Shane and Carlos to decide how far they want to go.

"As with the other eight players we have brought in over the summer, Shane and Carlos are exciting prospects and fit the bill in terms of the quality that we are looking for. We have been out to see both of them, they have visited us and now we are looking forward to seeing them both progress in our Academy."

Central midfielder Shane, 17, captained the Republic of Ireland at both under 15s and under 16s levels, as well as playing for under 17s. He was recently nominated for the FAI's under 16s Player of the Year award.

Carlos, meanwhile, can operate anywhere down the left-flank. The 16-year-old was born in Valencia and is a fan of the Mestalla-based club. He had options to join a number of top flight clubs in his homeland before signing for the Blades.