Academy Briefing: Sir Alex at event

Academy Briefing: Sir Alex at event

Sir Alex Ferguson was at Old Trafford early on Saturday morning, spending time with Manchester United’s Academy players during our annual Celebration Event.

Find more information on that — including an upcoming short film ‘Lifeblood: United At Heart’ — and the rest of the key news from our world-famous youth set-up in our regular Academy Briefing…

SIR ALEX VISITS THE ACADEMY

At a club and an institution where some traditions date back nearly a century, the Celebration Event is a new one. Beginning in 2023, staff believe it’s the only one of its kind in the country, with Academy players’ successes in other sports, education and community endeavours being acknowledged, as well as personal growth off the pitch.

Sir Alex follows Bryan Robson and Wayne Rooney as guest of honour at the ceremony and our great ex-manager was delighted to be involved with a special day, having shown such a strong belief in young people throughout his managerial career.

“It was easy at Manchester United,” he said in a fascinating Q&A.

“All I had to go back to was the 1950s and Sir Matt Busby, producing fantastic players and team. That was the motivation, for me to carry on what Sir Matt did. He made this club — there’s absolutely no question about that. I just followed on. And it was a joy, to see young players coming through like they did.”

Sir Alex gave debuts to 89 Academy graduates in total. On Saturday, he handed out ‘United At Heart’ awards to two players who had embodied the values of Manchester United, who had been humble, excellent, adaptable, responsible, and a true team player.

He also presented Dave Bushell — Academy player liaison officer — with an award for 30 years’ fantastic service at United.

John Shiels, CEO of Manchester United Foundation, thanked two players for their actions in helping their local community and spoke about the similarities between the Foundation and the Academy in wanting young people to develop.

“As well as being a football Academy, I actually think this is a leadership Academy,” he says.

“It’s amazing when I look out here and I see so much talent. It’s talent that’s been matched with opportunity. That’s what both the Foundation and the Academy try to do together, to help the young leaders in front of us development themselves to be young men and women, and then grow.”

Players who have made first-team debuts this year were recognised, and there were two awards for Academy alumni: Craig Cathcart, for Achievements in Football; and Phil Mulryne, for Lifelong Learning.

It was a special day, and one you’ll be able to see more from in our upcoming film, ‘Lifeblood: United At Heart’. You can also read a more detailed story of the day in United Review, our beloved matchday programme, on sale for Manchester United v Crystal Palace on Sunday 2 February and available to pre-order here.

WINS FOR U18s AND U21s

Adam Lawrence’s Under-18s maintained a 100 per cent league record with an 11th consecutive win. Jaydan Kamason’s 51st-minute goal was all that separated United and Wolves at their Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground.

The Under-21s also earned a hard-fought victory on the road, beating Brighton & Hove Albion thanks to an early Sam Mather penalty.

LOAN MOVES

Congratulations to Ethan Wheatley (Walsall) and Jack Kingdon (Rochdale) on securing loan moves and a chance to gain more senior experience. We’ll be following both players’ progress throughout the season and wish them all the best.

TOBY IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Well done to our 251st Academy graduate Toby Collyer, whose performances against Rangers — as a starter — and Fulham, as a substitute, earned praise from all quarters this week. A late goalline clearance at Craven Cottage in Sunday evening’s 1-0 Premier League win was particularly headline-making, with United’s goalscorer Lisandro Martinez describing Toby as a “big example for the young generation”.

“I’m really happy for him because he is working so hard every day and he is so humble,” Licha said. “He deserves it all.”

How did Collyer keep this out? Video

How did Collyer keep this out?

MATCH MOMENTS | United had Toby Collyer to thank for holding on to our lead in London…

COMING UP

United U21s play our final game in the inaugural National League Cup group stages this week. Travelling to Oldham Athletic on Wednesday, Travis Binnion’s side are aiming to make it four wins from four and progress into the quarter-finals with flying colours. They have already beaten Forest Green Rovers, Altrincham and Rochdale in this competition.

Fans can attend at Boundary Park by buying tickets here, and the 19:00 GMT kick-off will also be shown live on MUTV.

We have another live game for you later in the week, as the U18s host Manchester City at Carrington in a fascinating match-up in the U18 Premier League. Kick-off is at 11:00 GMT on Saturday morning, with coverage beginning five minutes before.

Good to luck our Under-17s, as well, who take on Newcastle United in the Premier League Cup this week.

MUTV INFO AT A GLANCE

Wednesday 29 January | Oldham v UNITED U21s | 19:00 | Live on MUTV

Saturday 1 February | UNITED U18s v Man City | 11:00 | Live on MUTV

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