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Manchester United have defended their decision to sign the nine-year-old Australian Rhain Davis.

United insist they have met Premier League governing rules in signing the youngster.

The Premier League champions claim they only invited Davis for a trial in Manchester after learning that the family had already relocated from Brisbane to Cheshire.

Davis has a British passport through his mother's side of the family and therefore United say the rules applying to the acquisition of young players have been met.

The club said in a statement: "Manchester United signs up to 30 boys aged nine for the Under 10s of its academy in line with the rules that govern Premier League academies.

Proud history

"The club does not ordinarily discuss individuals within its academies and would not consider sanctioning media access to boys so young.

"But it is important to address some issues that have arisen. The boy in question is English and a resident within the allowable travelling distance of the club, having resettled in the UK.

"The club has at all times conducted itself in accordance with academy rules.

"All academy students operate under the same conditions and the same discipline and application is expected of them.

"Manchester United is proud of its history of developing talented young players and invests considerable time and resources in trying to find the best young players of the future."

Old Trafford scouts were alerted to Davis' ability after his grandfather sent the club a DVD of him in action for Redlands United Under 10s in Australia.

Source: Sky Sports

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