Staff : First team : Craig Cathcart

Tall, good in the air and strong in the tackle, Craig Cathcart is a traditionally-styled centre-half, but he also possesses the ability and confidence to bring the ball out of defence.

The Belfast-born defender, who has played for Northern Ireland at youth level, was coveted by a number of clubs including Chelsea, Arsenal, Rangers and Manchester City.

He spent time at United’s School of Excellence in Belfast before - as a lifelong United fan – rejecting any other offers in favour of joining his boyhood club.

Cathcart was joint highest appearance-maker for the Academy Under-18s in 2005/06, starting 23 matches and appearing once as a substitute.

Craig captained the U18s during the 2006/07 season, and has regularly been called up to the Reserves to further his education.

Position: Defender