After two years at Manchester United, young right-back James Overy admits leaving one of the biggest clubs in the World was emotional, but the 18-year-old is ready to continue his development in professional football as a Sky Blue.
Overy joined Sydney FC on a three-year deal after moving to Manchester at the age of 16, with the young defender now determined to turn the lessons learnt in England into success with the Sky Blues.
“I grew up with those boys, from sixteen to eighteen,” Overy said.
“It is pretty emotional – it’s one of the biggest clubs in the world and you have to almost let go of that United dream in a way, but I’m ready to start my professional career, I’m ready to start playing games and I’m so excited to be here.”
Before leaving Manchester United, Overy sat down with the Academy staff, including former United midfielder Darren Fletcher, before making the decision to return to Australia.
“I think I squeezed everything I could out of it,” he said. “On and off the pitch I learnt so much. You train with the best players in the world every single day, so I learnt so much, and I think it was time.”
The talented youngster also revealed first-team stars Coby Mainoo, Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes were among those who helped him during his time training with the senior squad.
“People think if you go up to first team training they’re standoff-ish but it’s the complete opposite – they all took me under their wing and helped me.”
Now Overy has arrived at Sydney FC, he has another experienced player in his position to learn from in Sky Blues’ Captain Rhyan Grant.
“He’s such a good guy, ever since the first day I walked in there, he shook my hand and has had conversations with me every single day on and off the pitch,” Overy said.
“He’s such a good person to learn off, and obviously such an icon of the club. I look up to him, and he can obviously guide me throughout the season and help me.”
For Overy, the objective is straightforward:
“I want to play games, want to start my career here and want to win trophies for the club. It’s as simple as that – just want to win trophies and play games.”
Now after years of preparation at Manchester United, he finally has the chance to do exactly that, with the potential for an opportunity to play in the first game of the A-League Men’s 2026/27 season against the Western Sydney Wanderers on October 16th at Allianz Stadium.
“You couldn’t ask for anything more in the A-League. I think it would be such a good experience, and that as a debut would be unreal.”
