Manchester United are a club built around the progression of academy talent. This looks set to continue.
There is no club in world football quite like Manchester United. Behind all the trophies and success, and the recent years of frustration, the Red Devils have been underpinned by a commitment to youth.
United hold a remarkable run of having a youth player in the matchday squad for every game dating back to 1937, more than 4,000 games.
The club’s academy has been the key to success over the years, from the Busby Babes to Fergie’s Fledglings, and even in recent years, the academy has been on an impressive run.
United are the only club in England to have 10 teenagers called up to represent the Three Lions, with Kobbie Mainoo the most recent, and there could be more ahead.
Under the management of Ineos, United are focused on youth, bringing in talented players like Chido Obi and Sekou Kone, while finding pathways for Harry Amass and Tyler Fredricson to reach the first team, with the latter becoming the 254th youth graduate to make the leap.
Manchester United youngster Jayden Ngwashi warms up for England U17.
Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Manchester United commit to JJ Gabriel and Jayden Ngwashi
Ineos are continuing to push to recruit young talent, with Paraguayan youngster Diego Leon set to join the club. But it’s not just about incomings.
Part of a healthy youth academy is ensuring the club’s best young talent stays at Carrington.
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And that’s exactly what Manchester United have done in recent days by getting talented wonderkids JJ Gabriel and Jayden Ngwashi to commit.
JJ Gabriel made his debut for Manchester United’s under-18s at just 14. He has been dubbed ‘Kid Messi’ by the media, and already received praise and encouragement from Marcus Rashford.
Gabriel is an exciting attacker who United believe could take significant steps forward next season, and United have done well to get his commitment.
Technical director Jason Wilcox and recruitment chief Christopher Vivell were both claimed to be pivotal in Gabriel’s decision, amid serious interest from rival clubs.
United followed this up by getting a commitment from centre-back Jayden Ngwashi, who also stepped up to make his under-18s debut last season.
Ngwashi will turn 17 in September and sign professional terms with United, seeing off interest from European clubs.
Double deal can save United millions
Ineos have done their bit, gaining a commitment from Gabriel and Ngwashi to continue their careers at Manchester United.
The next part is down to the players, who need to build on their talent, overcoming hurdles on and off the pitch.
They need to stay injury-free, hope chances come their way, and seize them. At a club like Manchester United, if they are good enough – their opportunities will come.
The duo could save Manchester United millions. We have seen what happens when the club let a wonderkid leave, and had to buy him back.
United regretted losing Paul Pogba on a free in 2012 so much that the club paid £89 million to re-sign him, a club record most expensive fee that still stands.
And even if re-signing Gabriel or Ngwashi was not an option – how much would it cost to sign their equivalent in a few year’s time, an elite centre-back and a mesmerising young playmaker?
At a time when Ineos are trying to ensure the club become more sustainable financially, keeping hold of the club’s best academy talent is essential.