Young American Matthew Olosunde is Rotherham new recruit number six

AMERICAN defender Matthew Olosunde today became summer signing number six for Rotherham United as he agreed a two-year deal with the Millers.
Matthew OlosundeMatthew Olosunde
Matthew Olosunde

The young right-back had been with Manchester United for more than three years until he was released by the Premier League giants at the end of last season.

Olosunde didn't make an appearance for their first team but featured in their under-23 side and is a full US international.

The 6ft 1in 21-year-old, who started out as a forward, is said to be a natural athlete with blistering speed.

He was attached to New York Red Bulls and planning to enrol at Duke University before the Red Devils brought him to England in March 2016.

John Kerr, the Duke football head coach who had been hoping to take him to the North Carolina establishment, said: “Matthew is a fantastic player who is comfortable playing at the back or in midfield. He has wicked pace."

Rotherham fans could get their first sight of the latest new boy in tomorrow's opening pre-season friendly, against Parkgate FC at Roundwood (kick-off 1pm).

The player, who likes to get up and down the flank, models himself on former Manchester United captain Antonio Valencia.

"He is a real inspiration," he said. "He is great at bombing forward but also great defensively."

Olosunde, whose father was born in Nigeria, was brought up in Trenton, New Jersey, and was so keen on completing his education that Manchester United set up online courses with Oxford University for him.

Nicky Butt, once a midfielder at Old Trafford and now head of youth coaching, said: "He’s a good player, a nice lad and a really good athlete."

Olosunde progressed through the US age groups, appearing in the 2015 Under-17 World Cup in Chile, and made his senior debut against Bolivia in May 2018.

“He’s been on our radar as a young defender for a number of years," said Dave Sarachan, who was manager of the US team. "He’s a versatile defender who can play on either side. He possesses good size and strength."

Olosunde is the second arrival of the week for the League One Millers, with Newcastle United midfielder Daniel Barlaser having finalised a season-long loan deal on Wednesday.

Other new recruits are strike pair Freddie Ladapo and Carlton Morris, midfield man Shaun MacDonald and winger Julien Lamy.

See this week's Advertiser for news on a Millers bid for winger Grant Ward