Carrie Jones has signed her first professional contract with Manchester United Women.
The 18-year-old made her Wales debut aged just 15 and is held in high regard by club and country.
Jones has signed until June 2023, with the option of a further year.
Carrie Jones Signs First Professional Contract With Manchester United
#FridayFeeling = confirmed ✔️@CarrieJones_10 has signed her first professional contract with the club 🤩✍️#MUWomen
— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) November 19, 2021
Manchester United’s Work at Academy Level Reflected in Women’s Team Too
Since the club’s formation in 2018, Manchester United Women have always been focused on carrying over the academy traditions of the men’s team. Even some of the players signed for the first-team had previously been at United’s centre of excellence – like England international Ella Toone, for example.
The style of football and production of young talent is something United have been keen to replicate.
United signed Welsh midfielder Carrie Jones when she was just 16, identifying her as a future star. Perhaps her Wales debut, was enough to put her in the spotlight, but Manchester United made the move and got their player for the future.
18 months on and Jones has made substantial amounts of progress toward first-team football at Leigh Sports Village.
She made her Red Devil’s debut from the bench v Aston Villa in March 2021 and has often been involved ever since.
Jones provided her first assist for the club v Durham – United eventually won on penalties – in the Conti Cup on October 14, 2021.
The youngster also made her full Wales debut in June 2021.
She was named Manchester United Women Academy Player of the Year for 2020/21 in May.
So proud of all this continues to achieve..🥰❤💪
Player of the year 2020/2021 pic.twitter.com/waejxSs23R— Joyce (@joycejonestyn) May 29, 2021
Carrie Jones Dream Achieved
Carrie Jones told manutd.com: “I’m so pleased to sign my first professional contract, it’s something I’ve dreamt of since a young age, and to sign it with a club like Manchester United really tops it off.
”I’d like to thank my family for the sacrifices they have made over the years and for being with me every step of the way, and all of the coaches that have helped me on my journey, with a special mention to Charlotte (Healy) and the staff in the U21 academy.
”I’m also thankful to the fans for their support and I’m really looking forward to continuing my development here for the next few years.”
Head coach Marc Skinner added: “Carrie is such a talented young player who is wise beyond her years. She has incredible maturity for an 18-year-old and it really shows in the way she plays and approaches her game.
“Carrie is another example of the importance of the academy system in bringing young players through, she’s adapted so well to being part of the first-team and is such a bright prospect.
”I’m really happy Carrie has committed her future to the club, and we will keep working closely with her, on and off the pitch, to ensure that her talent continues to shine through.”
Jones played a starring role in United’s derby win over City on Wednesday night. It has been a mixed start to the season for the Red Devils but that win will have provided a much needed boost ahead of another difficult fixture on Sunday, where they host Women’s Super League leaders, Arsenal.
Carrie Jones has been included in the Wales squad to face Greece and France later this month.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
