Sonny Aljofree secured his move to Rotherham United with a direct text message to head coach Alex Bruce. The 21-year-old centre-back has since become a fixture in the side, playing in all six of the club's League Two games this season and signing a two-year contract at the New York Stadium.

Aljofree was without a club after being released by Manchester United at the end of last season. Instead of using an agent, he contacted Bruce personally over the summer. "He texted me over the summer and said he was without a club, had just left Manchester United and had had a couple of loans," Bruce said. That message led to a trial appearance against Matlock Town on July 18, a game the Millers won 4-0.

He has not missed a match since that trial, featuring in four more friendlies, one Carabao Cup tie and all six of Rotherham's league outings so far. His no-nonsense defending and composure on the ball have quickly made him a mainstay in a defence that has conceded 10 goals this term. Rotherham currently sit 16th in the League Two standings with six points from six games. Bruce has been impressed by the defender's straightforward attitude, which mirrored his initial approach. "He's had the same direct approach as that text since he walked into the building," the manager added.

The young defender is the son of former Premier League player Hasney Aljofree, who was a respected left-back and centre-half for clubs including Bolton Wanderers and Plymouth Argyle. Sonny was schooled in Manchester United's academy and had loan spells at fourth-tier sides Accrington Stanley and Notts County before his release. Bruce, a former central defender who also started his career at Old Trafford, said he knew of Aljofree through his father and their shared Manchester United connections.

Aljofree's consistent performances have helped Rotherham to a recent run of form that reads one win, three draws and one loss from their last five matches. Their most recent game was a 3-3 draw with Salford City on September 12. The team now prepares for an away fixture against 17th-placed Northampton Town this weekend, looking to build on their current form. His rapid integration into the squad has been a positive note in a mixed start to the campaign.

Background and full detail: Rotherham Advertiser