Pearson takes his chance with Tykes

IMMEDIATE IMPACT: Ben Pearson earned plenty of plaudits for his display on debut for Barnsley

AFTER almost 11 years working his way through the ranks at Manchester United, Chadderton’s Ben Pearson made his first step on to the Football League ladder on Saturday — and his senior professional debut couldn’t have gone better.

Pearson, 20 on January 4, joined Barnsley last Thursday on a month’s loan. The young midfielder was thrown straight into the Tykes’ starting XI for a crucial clash against Yeovil Town.

After a nervy opening 20 minutes in front of a crowd of almost 9,000, Pearson played a starring role in a 2-0 home win and returned to Denton Lane clutching a bottle of champagne as the sponsors’ man of the match.

Pearson has been close to a United first-team call from manager Louis van Gaal after impressing for Warren Joyce’s under-21s team and the reserves, but the Reds’ 2013 young player of the year didn’t hesitate for long when Tykes boss Danny Wilson came calling.

“I was hoping maybe I’d get a chance for United in the FA Cup against Yeovil, but the manager fielded a really strong team in that game in the end.

“There’s maybe three or four players ahead of me at the moment, and there aren’t that many United games left this season really. That’s why I felt it was a good time to get out on loan.

“You never know. If I do do well here I might throw myself more into the United first-team picture, but I see coming to Barnsley as a great stepping stone in my career.

“It’s a chance to do well, prove myself, and next might be some time with a Championship club and then move on to the United first team.

“I was buzzing on Saturday morning. Hopefully I can help Barnsley up the table.”

Pearson, who grew up with parents Janet and Dave and sister Holly in Chadderton, was initially spotted by United playing for Boundary Park Juniors under-eights in the Manchester Youth and Mini-Soccer League.

The former Christ Church Primary School and Crompton House pupil has worked his way steadily through the Red Devils’ ranks, while also earning plenty of international recognition.



Another Oldham prospect, Ryan Kent (18), continues to make good progress with Merseyside giants Liverpool, the club he signed for at the age of seven.

The Athletic-supporting attacking midfielder, who has also represented England at various age group levels, signed his first professional contract last year and has regularly featured in the Reds’

under-21s team this season.