Luca Ercolani

Luca Ercolani (born 25 November 1999) is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Carpi.

Club Career

Manchester United

Having previously been a gymnast in his early years, Ercolani soon turned his attentions to football. He started his youth career with USD Classe, before moving to Ravenna until 2012. After a stint with Rimini, Ercolani moved to Forli. He was later signed on loan by Cesena, though I Bianconeri would choose not to sign the player. In July 2016, having been scouted by David Williams a year prior, Ercolani completed a transfer to Premier League club Manchester United. He remained with the English club until the start of 2021, appearing at U18, U19, U21 and U23 level; notably featuring in the EFL Trophy and UEFA Youth League. Ercolani did train with the first-team squad on numerous occasions under both Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjar.

During the 2019–20 season, having spent time out with an injury, Ercolani - on the advice of some of the club's coaches - completed his UEFA B coaching qualification.

Carpi

On 8 January 2021, having previously extended his Manchester United contract until June 2021 in May 2020, Ercolani returned to Italy with Serie C side Carpi; penning terms until June 2022. He made his senior debut on 20 January during an away match against Matelica, as he featured for the full duration of a 1–0 loss at Stadio Helvia Recina. Further appearances arrived that month versus Sambenedettese and Feralpisalo. Ercolani was sent off for the first time in senior football on 7 February against Imolese.