Freddy Adu to train with Manchester United

Last Updated: Wednesday, November 8, 2006 | 8:50 PM ET

CBC Sports

American teenage sensation Freddy Adu can look forward to trying a different United shirt on for size.

Adu, a 17-year-old striker for D.C. United, learned Wednesday that he will spend two weeks training with Manchester United of the English Premiership, beginning Nov. 18.

Freddy Adu is only 17 but has played three seasons for D.C. United.
(Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images)

Adu was granted permission from Major League Soccer to practise with the storied English side, but reminded that the workouts should not be perceived as tryouts and that Major League Soccer retains his rights.

"This is a great opportunity for Freddy," D.C. United spokesman Doug Hicks said. "We support his decision to seek additional training opportunities in the off-season." 

Adu has often expressed an interest in playing in Europe, but isn't transferrable until he turns 18 next June 2.

He has one year remaining on the long-term contract he signed with MLS on Nov. 18, 2003.

Adu was assigned to D.C. United as a 14-year-old and debuted in their season opener against the San Jose Earthquakes on April 3, 2004.

In doing so, he became the youngest professional in the history of North American team sports.

Joe Nuxhall was 15 when he pitched two-thirds of an inning for the Cincinnati Reds on June 10, 1944.

Adu posted two goals and a career-high eight assists in 32 matches, including 29 starts, for D.C. United this season, earning MLS all-star honours for the first time. 

He has totalled 11 goals and 17 assists in 87 matches (59 starts) for D.C. United, including his first goal as a professional in the 75th minute of a 3-2 loss to the Metro Stars on April 17, 2004.