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Former Manchester United youngster joins Morecambe on loan deal from Stoke City Midfielder becomes Morecambe’s second signing in as many days Morecambe have signed Stoke City youngster Ruben Curley on a loan deal running until January 3. The 20-year-old midfielder was handed an immediate debut by Shrimps manager Adam Lakeland, having been named in the starting line-up for their National League North season opener against Spennymoor Town. Curley joined Stoke City from Manchester United in February 2025, signing a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Potters after more than a decade within the academy system at Old Trafford. Stoke’s academy director, Jack Higgins, told their website: “Following a positive pre-season, during which Ruben’s trained with the first team and featured in friendly fixtures, this is a good platform for him to gain exposure to regular senior football at one of the biggest clubs in non-league. “We wish Ruben well at Morecambe and will closely monitor his progress.” A technically gifted central midfielder who can also operate in a deeper role, Curley progressed through Manchester United’s youth ranks and was named the club’s scholar of the year for the 2023/24 campaign. Having made appearance for United’s U21s against Barnsley in the 2024/25 Vertu Trophy, Curley moved into National League North last season with a loan move to Curzon Ashton. He joined them in February of this year, scoring once in 14 matches for the club. Curley’s arrival follows hot on the heels of Jake Cain’s return to the Halo Aerospace Stadium as the Shrimps look for a return to non-league’s top flight at the first time of asking.