Carlisle United sign Manchester United defender George Tanner

George Tanner. Credit: Carlisle United Football Club

Carlisle United have signed a Manchester United defender on a two-year contract.

George Tanner, 20, from Blackpool, joined the Red Devils at a young age before earning a place on their scholarship programme. He went on to sign his first professional deal with the team in January 2018.

He appeared 29 times during a spell with League Two club Morecambe last season and is Carlisle's first signing of this transfer window.

George Tanner, Manchester United, in 2018. Credit: PA

Manager Chris Beech, said: “I’m delighted to be able to bring George in. He comes to us with tremendous pedigree, having been at Manchester United since he was 8, and having progressed all the way through their system, as well as representing England through the various age groups.

“George is naturally a right back, but he can also play further forward, or as a left back. He’s strong in his one against one situations and has pace, power and strength to get forward.”

“Our football club worked hard to recruit George,” he continued. “I became aware of him when he played for Manchester United and he really impressed me when he went to Morecambe on loan last year, playing the number of games he played in just half a season."