Manchester United are keeping a close eye on Accrington Stanley's young goalkeeper Andrew Dawber.

The 18-year-old has steadily impressed United scouts since making his debut last September in a Football League Trophy tie against Morecambe.

In a far cry from Crown Ground, Dawber's rapid progression has seen him invited to train with United at Carrington on several occasions over the course of the year, and is now a regular visitor to United training complex having been given the seal of approval from United's goalkeeping coach Eric Steele.

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Dawber could be an early addition to United as the club enter a new age. (Reuters)

Newly pointed Accrington manager James Beattie believes the teenager will still need the benefit of genuine game time in his young years, but believes the teenager has done enough to impress United.

"He's got great potential," Beattie told the Manchester Evening News. "Eric Steele absolutely loves him.

"He was going once a week but he's in there all the tie now. He needs games but training in that environment will only give him a better mental approach and belief."

Having done enough to impress Accrington since his debut last year, Dawber was awarded a new contract in February, a deal which will keep him at the club until the summer of 2015, providing United do not make a formal bid for him.

Manchester United's first choice goalkeeper David de Gea and his understudy Anders Lindegaard are unlikely to be troubled by the club recruiting another bright prospect, but a potential move for Dawber could see him moved into the club's United's U21 ranks.

The U21 side, who sealed their place in the final of the U21 Premier League this week with a 3-0 win over Liverpool, have utilised 20-year-old Sam Johnstone in their campaign, before the shot stopper made a loan move to Walsall in March, where upon Ben Amos took up goalkeeping duties.

United have shown in the past that they are willing to delve into the lower echelons of league football in efforts to recruit potential additions. Last summer the club beat the likes of Arsenal and Everton to the signature of Nick Powell, signing the teenager from Crewe Alexandra for a reported fee of £6 million.

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