Teenage Soccer Phenom Freddy Adu to join Manchester United for workouts.

Freddy Adu, the 17-year-old soccer prodigy for D.C. United has been granted permission to join Manchester United for two weeks of training. The workouts will begin November 18th, Adu is scheduled to join the U.S. under-20 national team in Florida next week.

Adu’s workouts would include team practices and some functions but would not include any official matches Manchester United plays.

While Adu has always expressed his desire to play overseas, his workouts are not considered a tryout for Manchester United. 

As a forward/midfielder Adu has been in the media spotlight as the future of U.S. soccer. He gained international fame as a 12-year-old for his skills and accomplishments and by the time he was 14 he had signed with the MLS. In his three seasons with D.C. United, Adu has tallied 11 goals and 17 assists.

A move to a European league would be seen a huge step up for Adu. Many of the world’s premier players belong to clubs based in Europe. At 17, questions about Adu’s ability to play on such a level have arisen.

Abilities alone are not the only question when it comes to the possibility of Adu playing overseas. The Ghana born star is under contract with the MLS for another three years. FIFA, soccer’s governing body, forbids players under 18 from being sold internationally, Adu turns 18 in June.

Freddy Adu’s season ended with D.C. United when they were eliminated by the New England Revolution in the Eastern Conference final on Sunday.