Man Utd scout EFL wonderkid tipped to have ‘wonderful future’ but face Newcastle competition

Manchester United and Newcastle have shown an interest in Sunderland wonderkid Chris Rigg according to the latest reports.

There’s plenty of talent to be found in the EFL and it seems as if Erik ten Hag’s side have been made aware of the brilliance of Rigg.

The 16-year-old scored in Sunderland’s 5-0 hammering of Southampton in the Championship and he was also on target in the EFL Cup against Crewe Alexandra.

Man Utd are certainly no stranger to signing players from the EFL as they have previously snapped up the likes of Daniel James and Nick Powell.

According to iNews, both Man Utd and Newcastle have been scouting Rigg. The report claims that the midfielder has been subject to ‘intense’ interest from both Premier League clubs.

Sunderland have a number of upcoming stars in their ranks, including Jobe Bellingham who has impressed since arriving from Birmingham.

Tony Mowbray has an excellent track record when it comes to developing youngsters and he recently provided some insight into Rigg and the sort of character he is.

“I think Chris Rigg belies his age a little bit,” said Mowbray via Northern Echo. “I can be quite harsh on him sometimes, then I have to check myself to think, ‘Hang on a minute, he’s a 16-year-old boy’.

“I expect more from him sometimes. I thought he was really poor in the (pre-season) game at Hartlepool, almost shockingly, to the point where he looked like a boy. But he reacted to that.

“He played with discipline (against Crewe). When I asked him to play deeper in the first half, he played deeper, then when I said at half-time that because we had so much dominance, he could leave that six position and start breaking into the box, he breaks into the box and goes and scores.

“It shows me that he takes on information, and he wants to please and do well. He’s a good footballer and he’s got a wonderful future in front of him, I’m sure.”

Man Utd will have been keeping a close eye on Sunderland last season as Amad Diallo enjoyed a successful loan spell at the Stadium of Light.

While still incredibly raw, Rigg looks like a star in the making for Sunderland. Perhaps a move to the Premier League would be too soon at this stage, but it is certainly on the horizon for the youngster.

Man Utd will no doubt keep tabs on the midfielder and assess how he gets on in the Championship this season with Sunderland.

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