LAUREN JAMES signed her first professional contract with Manchester United today, citing the chance to develop under manager Casey Stoney as a key reason for putting pen to paper.

James was one of the first batch of players to join the club when it was formed in July 2018, helping them win promotion from the Women’s Championship to the Women’s Super League.

Having left Arsenal to play for United, the 18-year-old midfielder has gone to bag an impressive 24 goals in 39 goals across all competitions.