Manchester United didn’t get the big-name Championship signing fans were hoping for. But they quietly picked up a 19-year-old goalkeeper with serious height and a familiar last name.
Kit Margetson, the son of former Swansea and Wales goalkeeping coach Martyn Margetson, is set to join United from Swansea City. The club has not confirmed the move yet, but reports from Welsh outlet Y Clwb Pel-droed and Swansea-focused site Only Swans say it’s done.
Here’s what stands out: the kid is 6-foot-4, he’s a Wales U21 international, and United’s goalkeeping scout Tony Coton was spotted watching him in person back in March at a Cymru Premier fixture. Coton is not the kind of guy who shows up for no reason.
What Happens Next
Margetson spent last season on loan at Connah’s Quay Nomads in the Welsh top flight. That’s not exactly Premier League competition, but the experience counts. United’s plan reportedly involves signing him and then immediately sending him out on loan again — this time to a National League club in England.
So he’s not walking into the first-team dressing room. He’s a development play. United already have Senne Lammens as the current starter and are sorting out backup options. Andre Onana is heading back to Trabzonspor on another loan. Altay Bayindir could be on his way out too.
The club has also been linked with more experienced options like Angus Gunn and Sam Johnstone for the number two spot. Margetson isn’t competing for that. Not yet anyway.
Other Clubs Were Watching Too
United wasn’t alone in scouting Margetson. Brighton, Crystal Palace and Liverpool also had him on their radar according to reports. But United moved first.
This is a long-term bet on a young frame and good bloodlines. Martyn Margetson coached keepers at Swansea for years and now works with the Wales national team. The kid grew up around the position.
United’s goalkeeping pipeline has been hit-or-miss in recent years. They’ve spent big on senior keepers and seen mixed results. Taking a flier on a cheap teenage prospect with room to grow is a lower-risk approach. Whether it pays off is years away from being answered.
For now, Margetson will likely pack his bags for a National League loan and try to get noticed all over again.
Leave a Comment