Layla Drury signs professional terms with Manchester United

Manchester United have today announced that they have agreed professional terms with England youth international Layla Drury, becoming the youngest women’s professional in Club history.

At just 17 years old, the Wrexham-born attacker has signed her first professional contract, marking the latest milestone of a debut season that has rewritten Club history. In January, she became the Women's youngest debutante (at 16 years, 220 days) and, just ten minutes after coming off the bench, became the Club's youngest goalscorer with a classy first-time finish from outside the box. This performance would later earn her the Adobe Women's FA Cup Baller of the Round.

The positive start to her senior career earned Layla further opportunities, finishing the 2025/26 season with seven senior appearances across all competitions.  In moments, she was able to change matches, and also experienced playing at Old Trafford during a 20-minute cameo in the Manchester derby in March.

With the new contract, Layla will now integrate fully into the first team, capping a rapid rise at the Club.  After only joining in November 2024, at U16 level, the attacker was promoted to the U21 squad in May 2025, and made her first appearance at first-team training in August 2025.

At the same time, Layla was called into the England setup for the first-time in February, eventually transferring away from Wales, and has already represented England up to U20 level.

Speaking about the honour, United’s latest Academy graduate shared:

“Growing up as a Manchester United fan, signing a professional contract with the club was always the dream, but now I know it's only just the beginning. 

 I'm incredibly grateful to everyone in the Academy who has supported me throughout my development, so many people have played a huge role in helping me grow into the player and person that I am today. “This is the perfect club to support me in reaching my potential and I’m really excited to take every opportunity that comes my way.”

Matt Johnson, Director of Women’s Football at Manchester United, said: 

“We are all really proud of Layla’s development. She possesses all of the necessary technical attributes and the right work ethic to represent Manchester United, and reach the highest levels of the game.

 It is a really exciting time for the club as we continue to enjoy the rewards of the outstanding work taking place throughout our Academy and the long-term commitment we have made to developing homegrown talent. Everyone involved should be immensely proud of the role they have played in creating pathways that enable our young players to thrive, as we continue to strengthen our Academy and establish a world leading youth development programme.”

We’re all so excited to see what’s to come, see you stateside !