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Bendito Mantato (17 years old) and Douka Nkoto (14 years old) were named by the online community in the age fraud suspicion at MU. |
According to the Telegraph , there are suspicions that some of the young players coming from abroad are in fact adults and have played in older age groups at home.
Evidence is said to include photographs which may indicate that the players played for youth teams at a higher age than officially announced by the two Manchester clubs.
Although no players have been named, the channel said that neither Manchester United nor Manchester City were aware that some of their players were under the age they had declared. However, both clubs were aware of the evidence surrounding the incident.
Three of the six players accused are playing for England youth teams and a number of parents in the academies of Manchester United and Manchester City have previously expressed concerns about the matter. Both Manchester and Premier League clubs have declined to comment on whether any investigations have been or will be carried out.
However, Manchester City insist they are not in breach of any legal or regulatory obligations, and say it is normal for young players to play in older age groups.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are committed to complying with all regulations regarding the recruitment and registration of players in the academy, while stressing that they always value the protection and development of young players.
The Red Devils also insist that the recruitment process focuses on future potential rather than just looking at current performance or a player's physical development.
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