FORMER Newtown and Llanfair Caereinion High School pupil, Carrie Jones, has signed a professional contract with Manchester United.

The contact will keep Jones at the club until June 2023, with the option of a further year.

The 18-year-old midfielder had been part of United's Under-21s WSL Academy side before stepping up to the first-team last season, making her senior debut for the club in a 3-0 win over Aston Villa in the Women's Super League.

She has made eight appearances in all competitions.

Jones also has five senior international caps for Wales, having made her debut for her national team in 2019 at the age of just 15.

Carrie Jones signs on, alongside Women's coach Marc Skinner.

She said: "I'm so pleased to sign my first professional contract, it's something I've dreamt of since a young age, and to sign it with a club like Manchester United really tops it off.

"I'd like to thank my family for the sacrifices they have made over the years and for being with me every step of the way, and all of the coaches that have helped me on my journey, with a special mention to Charlotte [Healy] and the staff in the Under-21 Academy.

"I'm also thankful to the fans for their support and I'm really looking forward to continuing my development here for the next few years."

Meanwhile Skinner added: "Carrie is such a talented young player who is wise beyond her years.

"She has incredible maturity for an 18-year-old and it really shows in the way she plays and approaches her game.

"Carrie is another example of the importance of the academy system in bringing young players through, she's adapted so well to being part of the first-team and is such a bright prospect.

"I'm really happy Carrie has committed her future to the club, and we will keep working closely with her, on and off the pitch, to ensure that her talent continues to shine through."