Manchester United have sent young brothers Will and Michael Keane out on loan to Championship sides Wigan Athletic and Derby County – where they will face each other this weekend.
Brotherly love will be put to the test on Sunday as Michael travels with the Derby squad to face a Wigan team which could now feature striker Will.
The Stockport born pair joined United in 2009 and have starred in the United youth setup ever since and both played major roles in the FA Cup Youth winning side of 2011.
Will however missed the whole of last campaign with a severe knee ligament injury sustained while on international duty with England Under 19s.
On his return to action for the United reserves this season, Will inevitably found the net, showing he has not lost any of his goal scoring touch – something which has made Wigan boss Owen Coyle want to take the forward on loan.
“Will is a man we’ve been watching for some time and it’s great that we’ve been able to bring him in to strengthen the group,” Coyle told Wigan’s official website.
“I’m hopeful that the deal can be beneficial for both Wigan Athletic and Manchester United, and of course Will himself.”
Defender Michael Keane spent the majority of last season on loan at Leicester City, where he made the three man shortlist for their player of the season award.
Both men have made first team appearances for United, Michael in the league cup against Aldershot in 2011 and Will in the home defeat to Blackburn in 2010.
At Derby, Michael will be managed by former United assistant manager Steve McLaren and will join a side on the edge of the play-off places.
Will is set to join another United loanee at last year’s FA Cup winners Wigan, with Nick Powell currently starring for the Latics in the Championship and Europa League.
Image courtesy of England FA via YouTube, with thanks.
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