5 Things to Know About Reading Star & Man Utd Target Danny Loader

24 November 2019 14:55

Unless you're an avid watcher of England's youth teams (unlikely) or a frequent visitor to the Madejski Stadium (even less likely), chances are Reading forward Danny Loader is a largely unknown quantity to you.

The 19-year-old has been heavily linked to Manchester United, the club he faced in last season's FA Cup third round, with his contract set to expire in the summer of 2020.

FBL-ENG-FACUP-MAN UTD-READING

During his time as the Red Devils' caretaker manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was quick to quote Sir Matt Busby's famous words that 'if they're good enough, they're old enough' and youth has certainly been at the heart of the Norwegian's Old Trafford reign so far.

So, who is the latest young prospect linked to Solskjaer's youthful overhaul of the ​Manchester United squad? 

Get a Loader (sorry) five things you probably didn't know about Danny...


He Hasn't Quite Lived Up to the Hype (Yet)

Danny Loader,Jordy de Wijs

The excitement surrounding Loader is largely a result of his performances for Reading's Under-23s. The forward notched 18 goals and five assists in his 36 appearances, form that fast-tracked him into the Royals' first team. 

However, the forward has failed to affect the senior side in the same fashion - scoring just once and contributing a solitary assist in 25 Championship appearances for the club.


He's Ambitious, Confident and Outspoken

Danny Loader

Wolves were reportedly close to signing Loader this summer, only for the deal to fall through after Reading decided to keep hold of their young asset.

While most 19-year-olds would keep tight-lipped, Loader had no problem speaking of his disappointment. He stated (via Sky Sports): "Everyone knows a Premier League club tried to sign me in the transfer window, but it wasn’t to be. 


"I’m very ambitious, my dream is to play on the biggest stage and you never know when these opportunities will come around again."


He Won the Under-17 World Cup With England

England U20 v Netherlands U20 - International Friendly

Loader was a member of England's Under-17 World-Cup-winning squad in 2017, as Steve Cooper's side thrashed Spain 5-2 in the final to lift the trophy. Loader, unfortunately, was an unused substitute as England came from two goals behind to win the tournament for the first time.


With Callum Hudson-Odoi, Phil Foden, Rhian Brewster and Morgan Gibbs-White in the attacking positions, it's no surprise Loader found himself confined to the bench.


Earlier that year, Spain had defeated England on penalties in the European Championships - Loader introduced in the 80th minute to witness Spain's stoppage-time equaliser and eventual penalty shootout victory.


The 19-year-old has represented England at every youth level from Under-16 through to Under-20 level, scoring 14 goals in 46 appearances for his country.


He's Been Labelled 'the Next Jadon Sancho'

Danny Loader,Liam Cooper

As soon as links to the ​Bundesliga emerged, Loader was quickly labelled as the next Jadon Sancho in some quarters. 


It has been reported that both Borussia Monchengladbach and Wolfsburg have scouted the Reading forward in the past - although bids have seemingly failed to materialise. While the Premier League appears to be the most likely destination, don't be surprised by late moves from German clubs.  


He's Versatile Across the Front Line

Predominantly used as a central striker for Reading, Loader has also featured on both wings and as a second striker in his Championship appearances.


Considering the profile of United's current attacking options, the Reading forward's versatility would make him a good addition - on paper, at least. Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Daniel James have been used in a number of positions this season, with their fluidity a key component in some of the Red Devils' better performances.


Source: 90min