Newport County will be looking to bring Charlie McNeill back to the club in the summer, says manager Graham Coughlan.
McNeill is highly rated at Manchester United and made his senior debut under Erik ten Hag earlier this season when he was introduced in the final minutes of the opening Europa League defeat to Real Sociedad at Old Trafford. The 19-year-old didn't get another look in in 2022, though, and played in the Under-21s until he left for Newport at the end of the January transfer window on loan for the rest of the season.
McNeill has impressed in South Wales, picking up some valuable first team experience having gradually become a regular starter. The striker has featured in all 14 possible games since the switch and has scored twice, the first professional goals of his career.
Also read: Bellingham is ready for the role Ten Hag wants him to take on at United
He has made such an impression at Rodney Parade that Coughlan is already hoping to bring him back next season. “We had to bring in young players in January and couldn’t do what some other clubs did but I don’t think anybody has signed better when you include Harry Charsley,” he told the South Wales Argus.
“The age and experience might count against them but they have been brilliant and I hope we can keep giving them the education and development they need to go back to their parent clubs and compete for the first team after massive growth.
“But I wouldn’t say no to having them here again next season if Middlesbrough, Manchester United and Stoke were open to that. I will pursue them for sure.”
Coughlan believes it's been a successful loan for McNeill and pointed out the aspects of his game he's been really pleased with. “Charlie has had a really positive impact since arriving,” he added. “We needed somebody to put pressure on our other strikers and he has done that.
“He stretches play, brings a bit of quality and all round it has been a really good loan – we hope Charlie and Manchester United see it that way as well. The football is totally different to Man United so it's a great learning curve with the physical side of the game. Days like the 4-0 at Stockport are part of his education.”
READ MORE:
