The 20-year-old's arrival on an 18-month contract follows a trial at Oakwell last week.
He only made two substitute appearances for United, but played eight games for Barrow during a loan spell earlier this season, scoring four goals.
"This is a great opportunity for him to kickstart his career," boss Lee Johnson told the Barnsley website.
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Barnsley have signed midfielder Otis Khan following his release by League One rivals Sheffield United.