Premier League newcomers Burnley have announced the signing of Manchester United defender Jimmy Dunne on a free transfer.
The 18-year-old centre-back has signed a two-year deal, with the Clarets holding an option to extend the player’s contract for a further year.
Dunne has expressed his delight at signing for Burnley and has said his goal is to follow in the footsteps of former Manchester United defender Michael Keane, who made the same move in January 2015.
“This is really positive place to beat the moment so I’m delighted that I’ve got the move sorted for myself,” Dunne told Burnley’s official website.
“Manchester United is a big club who have been good to me since the age of 10 and they have developed me into the player and person I am now.
“It was a hard decision to make to leave but at the same time I’m joining another fantastic Premier League club.
“All the changes that the club are putting in such as the training ground made it an attractive move and the decision was easier because of that.
NEWS: Clarets add young defender Jimmy Dunne to the Development Squad.
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“Michael Keane is someone I look at to try to improve and I haven’t got talking to him yet but he’s similar in terms of being tall and lean. He’s been through a similar format at Manchester United so hopefully I can learn from him.
“I want to play first-team football and play in the Premier League eventually and Burnley is a brilliant place to come to try and do that.”
Dunne, who’ll initially join Burnley’s development squad, leaves Manchester United after 8 years at Old Trafford.
The Irish defender made 23 appearances for United’s Under-18 team last season, but has chosen to end his spell at Old Trafford in search for the shortest route to first-team football.
Michael Keane joined Burnley last year and the regular first-team football at Turf Moor has turned him into one of the most promising defenders in England.
Keane’s success at Turf Moor will serve as an inspiration to Dunne, who’ll fancy his chances of establishing himself in Burnley’s senior squad sooner rather than later.
