US starlet drops Man Utd hint

Top target...Much Adu about Freddy

American teenage sensation Freddy Adu has revealed his ambition is to play for Premiership champions Manchester United.

The 14-year-old has attracted the attention of several top European clubs following some impressive displays for the United States Under-17 and Under-20 sides.

Manchester United are believed to have been tracking the highly-rated youngster for some time and are said to be keen add him to their growing US contingent.

American goalkeeper Tim Howard has already made an impressive start to his Old Trafford career and 17-year-old defender Jonathan Spector has joined United's ranks.

"I would love to end up in England some day playing for Manchester United or a team like that," Adu told BBC World Football in an exclusive interview.

"I've loved them ever since I was a baby.

"I am aware [I am being tracked] and I am very excited by that.

Freddy Adu is a phenomenon and certainly a wonderful player Alexi Lalas LA Galaxy defender

"When a big team like Manchester United knows about me, then you have to been doing something good for them to notice you."

Adu, who was born in Ghana but moved to the US when he was eight after his mother won the lottery, is currently on an accelerated school programme.

When that finishes in May 2004, he will be able to listen to offers from abroad, although Fifa rules may mean that he has to start his professional career in the US' Major League Soccer.

US international and LA Galaxy defender Alexi Lalas believes Adu has the potential to be one of the game's biggest stars.

He added: "Freddy Adu is a phenomenon and certainly a wonderful player. He's very, very young, but he has the ability to live up to the pressures and expectations."

You can hear World Football's exclusive interview with Freddy Adu on Saturday 1 November. Use the audio link on the front page.

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