MANCHESTER UNITED have handed a trial to defender Joseph Olowu – just weeks after he was released by Arsenal.
The 21-year-old came up through the ranks at the Emirates but was given a free transfer earlier this summer without making an appearance.
Olowu was named in United’s starting XI for their pre-season friendly against non-league side Kidderminster on Friday evening.
The Red Devils deployed an U23 team and they secured a 2-2 draw at Aggborough Stadium in front of more than 3,000 fans.
Wales international Dylan Levitt, 20, captained the side, with Shola Shoretire, 17, and Hannibal Mejbri, 18, also starting.
Olowu made more than 30 appearances for Arsenal’s U23 team before his release and has also spent time on loan at Cork City and Wealdstone.
According to United in Focus, the Red Devils are believed to be interested in the free agent as they need to bolster their defensive U23 options.
United had the second worst defensive record in the U23 league last season and often lacked numbers at the back.
The English giants have already loaned out two centre-backs: Will Fish, 18, to non-league Stockport and Di’Shon Bernard, 20, to Championship Hull.
Defender Teden Mengi, 19, is also expected to go out on loan this season after making nine appearances for Wayne Rooney’s Derby last term.
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United have already added one centre-back to their U23 squad – 35-YEAR-OLD Paul McShane.
The former Sunderland, Hull and Reading defender has been appointed a player-coach and will make sporadic appearances as an overage star.
Youth Cup winner McShane came through the ranks at Old Trafford before leaving without an appearance to his name in 2006.
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