Manchester United FC have one of the best football academies in the world and has produced some gems over time. The academy had seemed to have lost its way for some years though, and United weren’t producing great players. But lately, the academy has produced some great footballers who are shining for United and the future seems bright for the academy.
The United academy has produced quality players over the years, including the likes of Beckham, Scholes, Giggs, Neville and others. All the above-mentioned players have gone on to become world-beaters and have played at the highest level. The Class of ’92 is known as the best group of graduates to have come out of the academy.
In the current United squad, the likes of Pogba, Rashford, and Greenwood are all United’s academy products including lots of others. The recent group of players to have graduated from the academy includes Brandon Williams, Angel Gomes, and James Garner. Not every academy graduate gets a chance to play for Manchester United, as the club only prefers the best.
Brandan Williams has pounced on his chances and now is a regular first-team player at United. He has been so impressive that he has pushed Luke Shaw for the left-back spot. Williams has great speed and is an attacking full back, who gets down the line but is equally good defensively.
James Garner has also featured for United and has earned himself the title of heir to Michael Carrick. The midfielder has scored bag loads of goals this season in Premier League-2 and is ready for his next step. Garner has attracted interest from the Championship as well as lower-placed Premier League clubs and might get loaned out next season.
Tahith Chong and Angel Gomes have proven themselves in the u-23 football, but haven’t done enough to get first-team minutes. Chong has signed a long term contract recently, but it isn’t the same with Gomes. The young midfielder is holding out for a contract extension as United can’t promise him a first-team position.
Not just forwards and midfielders, the academy produces some good defenders as well, with recent graduates being Tuanzebe and Mengi. Tuanzebe has plied his trade in the Championship on-loan with Aston Villa and has also played for United in the Premier League. Tuanzebe has even captained the Red Devils in the group stage of Europa League this season.
Another young talented player in the academy with a lot of potential is 17-year old French midfielder Hannibal Mejbri. He joined United last summer and has even played 5 matches in the Premier League-2 and has set-up 3 goals. Mejbri is touted as the “next best thing” in football and is a midfielder who can attack as well as defend.
Manchester United’s academy is surely one of the best academies in the world. The academy is set up very well and guarantees good players for the future.
