First off the production line for proud Ammies

Salford City's proud officials are hoping they've produced one the next Non-League success stories after Sadiq El-Fitouri left the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League on Friday to sign for Manchester United.

Former Ilkeston star Che Adams made international headlines in midweek when he scored twice for Sheffield United against Spurs in their League Cup semi-final at Brammall Lane only a few months after completing a dream move from the Premier Division's Robins.

Now, right-back El Fitouri, pictured, could go even further sooner after signing an eighteen-month professional contract with United. He he had been out of football since being released by Manchester City and was only playing recreationally before joining the First Division North Ammies in December.

After impressing City co-owners Phil Neville and Paul Scholes in training since arriving at Moor Lane, the Libyan-born defender was given his Salford debut in a 2-1 victory over Kendal Town earlier this month when the pair were in temporary charge following the departure of Phil Power.

Neville and Scholes say their initial thoughts were quickly enforced by El-Fitouri's ability and attitude. Firmly believing that the 20-year-old should be playing at a higher level, they contacted a number of professional clubs, including Manchester United, who offered him a contract after he trained with them for a week.

The Ammies hope to create a world class academy programme and facility to promote local and international youth players for their own first team and both Neville and Scholes are delighted with the early success on the road to achieving the club's ambitions.

Neville said: "We are immensely proud that our club has been able to give an opportunity to a boy who had the determination and passion to play without necessarily having the chances.

"What we are trying to do at Salford is to develop our own talent, nurture players and keep them at the club. However, we also recognise that we cannot stand in the way of talented players playing at the highest level and that can only be a credit to how SCFC is progressing."

Scholes added: "Our firm belief is that we want to make a difference and whilst we are only six months in, we have established already, in this one moment that we are able to help promote and project young people and give them a chance. A chance that we were given ourselves."

In the statement released by the Ammies announcing his departure, El Fitouri described the move as a dream come true.

He said: "This is honestly a dream come true for me and I have to thank Salford City for the chance as well as the faith they have showed in me.

"I am really looking forward to what happens next and to be given the opportunity to do so at Manchester United is unbelievable."

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