Manchester United sign Bradford youngster for Academy

Faris Khan, 8, has joined up with the Red Devils’ u9s having continuously shone at the Frame 2 Futsal Academy in Bradford, on Feather Road.

Khan has been there since three-years-old and his growth in footballing terms has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Only 16 players made the cut at Manchester United’s prestigious Academy at Carrington, with thousands of young footballers looking to be selected from the various development centres across the country, with one being at Bradford (Park Avenue)’s Horsfall Stadium.

Throughout his time at Frame 2, Khan has been scouted and selected to play at various clubs including Bradford City, Leeds United and Manchester City, while Sheffield United also showed interested.

But it’s Manchester United who have won the race for the talented youngster, and he’ll begin his journey at the Premier League giants in their u9s.

Speaking to the T&A, a delighted Ellesha Khan, Faris’ mother, said: “As a family, we are so proud of him because he works so hard and puts in them extra yards.

“It’s become Faris’ life, and ours, but we enjoy seeing him doing what he loves.”

Ellesha added: “To say he’s eight-years-old, he’s got an amazing drive and he’s extremely motivated to get where he wants to be.

“He’s on a specific diet, he goes to Carrington (Manchester United’s training ground) and has been going to The Cliff (Manchester United’s old training ground where the Academy still play matches) three days a week and he also has one-to-one training twice a week at home, so his and our lives are football,” Ellesha joked.

Faris Khan meets Manchester United star Kobie Mainoo at Carrington (Image: Submitted)

Faris and his family have a strong connection with those involved at Frame 2, the Academy in Bradford, and Ellesha was full of praise for them when reflecting on how much they’ve helped him throughout his younger years.

She said: “The coaches and everyone involved at the Academy were always so supportive of Faris, so I can’t thank them enough.

“The coach at Frame 2, Bash, has played a huge role in his footballing journey so far; he is always so encouraging and has continued to give him the best advice right up until he signed for Manchester United.”

Ellesha admitted that the journey to Manchester three times a week can be “tough”, but one family member in particular wouldn’t miss is it for the world.

She said: “It’s challenging, but it’s good in bringing the family together.

“My husband and I often take turns with the journey, but my dad goes to every session; he won’t miss one. He’s been to every single one so far, and he’s always waiting at the dot to pick him up and collect him from Manchester.

“He’s very proud of Faris.”

Faris’ uncle, Ellesha’s brother, Zak Khan, is another member of the family who’s excelling within the sport, having helped Route One Rovers to an 8th place finish in the NWCFL (First Division North) in their first season in semi-professional football.

Speaking about Faris’ relationship with his uncle, Ellesha said: “Zak is a bit of an inspiration to Faris, and they’ll play together at every possible opportunity.

“It’s crazy but we’ve got a football pitch in our garden, and Zak is around the house whenever he can be to help Faris with certain drills, certain sessions and certain parts of his game.

“Hopefully it all pays off, but I’m sure they’ll continue to support one another.”

To find out more information on the Frame 2 Futsal Academy in Bradford, CLICK HERE.