MANCHESTER UNITED have sold Gabriele Biancheri to Austrian minnows Wacker Innsbruck – despite fans tipping him for a bright future at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils fought off competition from Chelsea when they signed the striker, 19, from Cardiff City three-and-a-half years ago.
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But Biancheri has made the shock decision to quit United before being handed the chance to make his senior debut.
The Red Devils allowed the teenage wonderkid to leave Old Trafford after his path into the first-team was blocked.
And Wacker Innsbruck, who were only formed 24 years ago, made a stunning swoop before the transfer window closed in Austria on Thursday.
Biancheri was part of the United Under-18s squad which bagged the title and Premier League Cup during the 2023/24 season.
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The Welshman then had a loan spell with Rotherham United in the second half of last term, making 11 appearances.
And, following his return from the Millers, Biancheri came off the bench as the United U21s lost to Brighton in the Premier League 2 final in May.
The up-and-coming youngster’s form in the Red Devils’ youth ranks led to him becoming a fan favourite.
Some claimed Biancheri was destined to lead United’s attack when he popped up with the winner as Athletic Bilbao were swept aside in the Premier League International Cup last September.
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But, having notched 16 goals in 45 outings for the U21s, he has decided to take his career in another direction.
Wacker Innsbruck are currently sixth in the Austrian second-tier, having won three of their five showdowns so far this season.
And Biancheri will be pushing to make his debut when his new employers head to BW Linz in the second round of the Austrian Cup on Saturday.
JJ Gabriel and Shea Lacey, plus brothers Jack and Tyler Fletcher, were the only members of United’s academy who were strictly off-limits during the summer transfer window.
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That resulted in the Red Devils sanctioning permanent and temporary exits right up until the deadline.
Chido Obi beat the clock and sealed a last-minute temporary switch to Dutch outfit Willem II.