Pools first became aware of Jack Barmby's talents when the then 16-year-old attacker scored against the youth team for Manchester United's academy side in the 2011 Northern Ireland Milk Cup. Fast forward two years and Barmby, the son of former England midfielder Nick, was awarded a professional contract at Old Trafford. He was beginning to make an impression in the Red Devils under-21 side when Colin Cooper brought him to the Vic in a loan deal in January 2014.