Sheffield Wednesday should look back to Manchester United to snap up another young free agent.
Di’Shon Bernard joined Manchester United’s academy in 2017 and spent six years there, but managed only one appearance in the Europa League.
The defender’s contract expired at Old Trafford last summer and he decided to search for a fresh start with regular game-time, thus ending up at Hillsborough.
Bernard has since enjoyed a brilliant season with the Owls, in which he played a key role in their survival.
The 23-year-old took a huge risk leaving Manchester United for the Championship but it really paid off, and it could tempt others to follow a similar route.
One academy graduate that Bernard may be familiar with from his time at Carrington is Shola Shoretire, whose future at United is unclear.
Shola Shoretire is ‘in talks’ with Manchester United
The forward is highly-rated at Old Trafford, having netted 12 goals and provided five assists in 18 games in PL2 over the last two seasons.
Shoretire’s loan spell at Bolton didn’t quite go to plan, but his time with the academy has really caught the eye and has urged the Red Devils to offer him a contract extension.
United confirmed in their retained list that they were still in talks with the 20-year-old, but his future under Erik ten Hag is looking rather bleak.
Shoretire hasn’t featured in the senior team under the Dutchman, while he was reportedly part of a group that were shunned from the first team dressing room following his arrival in 2022.
The 20-year-old could be encouraged by Di’Shon Bernard’s exit
Shoretire is likely to have a number of players ahead of him in the pecking order, and as he approaches his 21st birthday next season, he could consider a pathway out of the club.
While Bernard is a few years older, the Owls could definitely use his relationship with his former club to encourage the youngster to link up with him in Yorkshire.
The U21s captain is a bright prospect who is unlikely to flourish at the very top right now, but give him the chance to work under Danny Rohl and he could really find himself in the Championship.
Shoretire has played across the midfield and on either wing this term, giving Rohl plenty of options of where to play him.
It’s unclear whether he will choose to stay at United or not, but if he chooses to leave the club then Wednesday should be right there waiting.
