Manchester City’s academy had an impressive 2024/25 campaign, with both the Under-21s and the Under-18s getting their hands on silverware.
Manchester City’s U21s won the Premier League 2 title, the first team to do so for a fourth time in the competition’s history.
Meanwhile, the U18s won the U18 Premier League North title, setting a number of records along the way.
Oliver Reiss’ side set a new record for the successive number of league wins (21) and a new league points tally (65).
Now, academy director Thomas Kruecken has praised one of City’s U18s for providing one of his standout moments of the season for the EDS.
Aston Villa v Manchester City - The FA Youth Cup Final
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Thomas Kruecken hails Manchester City academy forward Matty Warhurst
Kruecken, speaking to the City media team, named Matty Warhurst as one of the players who delivered a big moment for the academy.
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Warhurst capped off a superb comeback victory for City in their 4-3 win over Derby County at the City Football Academy.
The 18-year-old’s turn and shot in injury time gave City the lead in the game and, crucially, won them the U18 Premier League North title.
Kruecken also noted how City’s youth coaches also celebrated wildly with the players, which he also loved to see.
“There were a couple of moments from the season which stay in my head,” said Kruecken.
“For example the late goal that we scored in the Under-18s against Derby County, from Matty Warhurst.
“I remember the celebrations from Oliver Reiss, Kolo Toure and Sam Fagbemi celebrating with the players, it was just great to see.”
“And the EDS team winning really late against Liverpool in extra-time and the same one week later against Arsenal.
“So great moments and it was great to see the players who had their last games for the Academy, had been together for many many years.
“I think this was one of the key success factors as to how we won these trophies.”
What the future holds for Matty Warhurst
Warhurst has been going from strength to strength in City’s academy, registering an impressive 50 goals over the past two seasons.
In 2023/24, Warhurst scored 24 goals and two assists in 30 appearances in his debut season with the U18s.
And in the season just gone, the 18-year-old notched up 26 goals and five assists for City at U18 and U21 level, which led to him winning the Scholar of the Season award.
Warhurst only got 62 minutes of PL2 football under his belt, but he still managed two goals, testament to how clinical he is in front of goal.
Competition Goals Assists Minutes
U18 Premier League 21 15 1.499′
UEFA Youth League 9 3 433′
FA Youth Cup 6 6 483′
Premier League 2 3 2 62′
U18 PL – Final Stage 1 – 90′
EFL Trophy – – –
PL2 Playoffs – – –
Total 24/25: 40 26 2.567′
Matty Warhurst stats in 2024/25
As per the City website, he is a ‘goalscoring, traditional No. 9’ who is ‘often the focal point of the attack, causing trouble for the opposition by holding the ball up or getting in behind the defence.’
‘When needed, he can also be called upon to play on the wing with his pace and clinical crossing also proving difficult to defend for the opposition.’
Warhurst is likely to play a more prominent role for the U21s next season and, if he does well enough, Pep Guardiola may end up with some food for thought.