“Shocking Developments: Everything We Know About Manchester United’s Pursuit of Sunderland Star Chris Rigg
Chris Rigg has quickly become one of the most sought-after talents in the Championship after a stunning start to the season with Sunderland, who currently sit in second place.
A product of the Academy of Light, Rigg made his debut for Sunderland at just 15 years old against Shrewsbury Town in January 2023. Since then, he has established himself as an essential part of the first team.
During the 2023/24 Championship campaign, Rigg made 21 league appearances, but his performance has significantly improved since Regis Le Bris took charge. With five wins in their first six matches, Sunderland is emerging as a serious promotion contender, thanks in large part to Rigg’s impressive form.
After coming off the bench in the season opener against Cardiff City, Rigg has started in each of Sunderland’s next five Championship games. He scored his first goal of the season with an audacious backheel in a 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough, further elevating his profile.
Given his rising reputation, it’s no surprise that Manchester United has shown particular interest in the 17-year-old star. According to talkSPORT, United is “ready to step up” their pursuit of Rigg, joining several other Premier League clubs monitoring him.
Reports suggest that United might make a move as soon as the January transfer window, with Newcastle also vying for the talented midfielder. HITC has indicated that a deal could be agreed upon in January, allowing Rigg to officially transfer to Old Trafford in the summer. United reportedly sees him as having similar potential to Jude Bellingham, who they missed out on in 2020.
United scouts have compared Rigg to club legends Bryan Robson and Roy Keane, indicating their strong belief in his future.
However, United isn’t the only club interested in Rigg. Alongside Newcastle, Premier League rivals like Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City have also engaged with the player’s representatives. There’s even interest from abroad, with Borussia Dortmund aiming to replicate their success with Bellingham, as well as interest from Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig, and Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona.
United’s interest in Rigg is not new; they have been tracking him since he was 15, closely observing his development after his promotion to Sunderland’s first team. Although United attempted to sign him this summer, Rigg chose to stay and signed his first professional contract—a three-year deal.
This agreement allows Sunderland to set a significant asking price, as they are no longer at risk of losing him for a low compensation fee. Retaining Rigg was a crucial victory for Sunderland, given the interest from top clubs. However, with many teams still keen on him, the competition for his signature remains fierce for both Sunderland and United.
