Record-breaking Sunderland wonderkid told to keep being a “free spirit” amid Man Utd interest

Sunderland have one of the youngest sides in the Championship and perhaps the biggest star of all is the 16-year-old homegrown sensation Chris Rigg, who became the club’s youngest ever goalscorer in midweek

Tony Mowbray has told 16-year-old Manchester United target Chris Rigg to maintain his “free spirit.”

The kid became Sunderland’s youngest ever goalscorer in the Carabao Cup in midweek at just 16 and 51 days. Rigg signed a new deal to stay on Wearside in the summer despite interest from Old Trafford and Newcastle United.‌

Mowbray vowed to keep him as part of the first team squad and get him game-time. His chances as a 15 year old were limited last season because he was studying for GCSEs.

The Sunderland coach likes to let his players express themselves and said: “He’s a wonderful talent and he’ll be on the bench just about every game. He will get game-time.

‌“The rawness of him, he doesn’t respect anybody, he tackles anybody, smashes into them, dribbles. He wants to get behind the opposition line.

“He’s not over-thinking anything, he’s just doing it. Sometimes you feel as if you’re over-coaching some kids, but he just plays and runs. We just let him play but make sure you have solidifying influences around him, let him be a free spirit.”

Sunderland also have Jobe Bellingham in midfield who is just 17. Mowbray added: “It’s amazing to think we are going into the season with a 16 year-old and 17 year-old.‌

“Depending on what happens to Alex Pritchard, if he does leave, it still leaves us Dack, Riggy and Bellingham to share the load behind the striker, Clarke and Roberts.”