'Next Bryan Robson' puts Manchester United on red alert amid transfer links as clear message sent

Chris Rigg
-Credit: (Image: Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images)


Sunderland youngster Chris Rigg scored an impressive goal in the Championship amid recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester United.

United missed out on signing the promising midfielder this summer after he agreed a new three-year contract at the Stadium of Light until at least 2027. Rigg has reportedly been seen as 'a Bryan Robson-like talent' by scouts, according to journalist Graeme Bailey.

Rigg's qualities may well have put United on red alert ahead of the January transfer window and his latest appearance will have done his chances of earning a move to the Premier League no harm at all. In Sunderland's latest Championship game against Middlesbrough, the 17-year-old scored a sensational back-heel goal after rounding off Boro's goalkeeper.

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It was his first goal of the season for the Black Cats in their 1-0 win. Manager Regis Le Bris praised the youngster after the game, saying: "I think he is like a symbol of our process, our game model. He always wants to learn, to play whatever the circumstances are, whoever the opponent is.

"He deserves to play like this because I see it every training session, he prepares to be able to do this. I don't think the age is a problem. You can have a high level of maturity at 17 and a low level of maturity at 30.

"I think that Chris Rigg is a good symbol of what we want to create and build as a team. He still wants to improve, still wants to understand the game and if we can share all these ideas, we can have the energy we need as a team even against a strong opponent."

United are looking to add more young talents to their ranks following the arrivals of James Overy and Samuel Lusale this week, with Chido Obi-Martin's move also pending approval. The club believes Obi-Martin, Overy and Lusale will be strong additions to their academy ranks and there is particular excitement about the signing of Obi-Martin from Arsenal.

Rigg is thought to fit the profile the club are looking for. At 15, he became Sunderland's youngster debutant when he came off the the bench in the FA Cup tie against Fulham last year.