Manchester United have specific plans for the academy moving forward, which is not only limited to recruitment but also involves the style of play.
Jason Wilcox, who was recently appointed as the new director of football, is focused on improving the academy pipeline to the first team.
Which is why, as per The Athletic, Wilcox does not want the age-group sides to ape what the first team are doing under Ruben Amorim.
Instead, they should focus on quality, which will always rise to the top irrespective of the style of play. Whether it is the smart choice, only time will tell as mastering Amorim’s style for now would benefit the first team the most.
Age-group sides will not replicate first-team’s style
“Amorim, who has given debuts to Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven (both signed from Arsenal), Harry Amass (Watford) and the homegrown Tyler Fredricson will hope the academy production line remains strong.
“Academy teams will not be told to play his back-three system though, as per instructions by Wilcox, who wants youth sides to focus on bringing through quality talent rather than replicate the exact first-team set-up.”
The U18s and the U21s both did not play a back-three system last term, and that seems like it will continue.
There are other major changes in the pipeline with regards to both the U18s and U21s when it comes to the coaching set-up, as instructed by Wilcox.
The U21s are getting a new assistant manager in the form of David Horseman, who had worked with the United DoF back during his time in Southampton.
The U18s will get a new boss after Adam Lawrence departed, with Darren Fletcher likely to be appointed as his replacement.
Fletcher set to take U18 training this week
The former United midfielder is expected to take charge of training this week.
“Fletcher is moving from Amorim’s staff to under-18s lead coach because he wanted to aid the club amid Adam Lawrence’s departure and take the first step towards becoming a No 1, setting training and picking teams.
“This week, he is taking charge of the group’s training camp in Germany at Adidas headquarters. He is expected to have wider influence, too.”
Hopefully, United can keep their stellar record of having an academy graduate in the matchday squad going heading into the new season while other wonderkids step up and make their breakthrough for the first team under Amorim.
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
