Accrington Stanley have officially signed a former United defender to support them with their League Two campaign this coming season.
After a 17th place finish, with a -8 goal difference, Accrington are keen to strengthen their defence, hoping for a stronger finish this time round.
Now, the former United man has been brought in having a range of experiences across the English leagues, as well as graduating from the United academy.
Accrington Stanley’s new signing
Accrington have now signed ex-Red Devil Donald Love as a free transfer on a two-year contract.
Love rose through the United academy, joining the Under-21s squad in 2013 before going on loan to Wigan in 2025. While with The Latics, Love played sporadically across right-back and centre-back, making seven appearances with two assists in their campaign which saw them win the league.
Returning to United, Love made two appearances for the senior squad before moving to Sunderland for €1.15 million in 2016. Over his three year stint at Sunderland, playing across the Premier League, Championship and League One in Sunderland’s infamous fall from grace with back to back relegations. Love played a total of 34 games for the club with one goal coming against Carlisle in the Carabao Cup when playing in defensive midfielder, and three assists.
Ultimately Sunderland parted ways with the right-back, with Shrewsbury picking him up for two years on a free transfer, being the first of many free transfer moves which has seen him join Salford City, Morecambe and now Accrington Stanley.
Love’s biggest success has come at Morecambe when he was appointed club captain, making 60 appearances, grabbing two goals and five assists. While there, Love’s adaptability really came into play, regularly playing in right-back and right-mid, however also covering defensive midfield, left-back, centre-midfield and centre-back.
Accrington’s comments on Love’s signing
Assistant manager Ged Brannan took to the club’s website to comment about the signing. Speaking to the club, he said: “Donald was at Morecambe with me last year and he was captain with Faz (Farrend Rawson).”
he continued: “He is a fantastic player, great for the changing room, experienced, been around, and a great addition for our team and our changing room. I can’t wait to get going with him.
“Donald is an all-round player, he can play full-back, centre-half in the middle of a three, and centre-midfield. He is a top lad and the younger lads will benefit from his experience.”
Love’s comments on his new club
Speaking to the club website, Love has shown his excitement to sign for the League Two side. In the brief interview, Love said: “I’m really happy to get it done. When John and Ged said to come in and train, and get a feel for the place, straight away I knew I wanted to sign.”
He continued: “I didn’t really know it was a derby until I was at Morecambe, but hopefully we go and beat them this year.
“Knowing Ged, Faz as well, I’ve known Faz for two years, it was just really good to come and meet John, and then get a chance to sign.”
Want to get the latest Manchester United news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
