Ruben Amorim promises he doesn’t want to be the man who ends Manchester United’s remarkable academy record, which dates back to 1937.
Manchester United fans are very proud of the rich tradition that sees faith and belief in youth development. From the days of Sir Matt Busby and Jimmy Murphy, youth held the key to United’s success.
There were the Busby Babes before Sir Alex Ferguson came along and introduced his fledglings. Both managers won multiple trophies and were crowned European champions (1968, 1999 & 2008) with teams that included many United academy graduates.
The only academy graduate to feature in recent squads under Ruben Amorim has been Kobbie Mainoo, who is no longer considered a starter in United’s first team after being placed behind club captain Bruno Fernandes in the pecking order.
The lack of academy graduates fighting for a place in the team has been a cause of concern among fans.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim arrives ahead of the Premier League match between Manchester United and Burnley at Old Trafford in 2025 in Manchester, England.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Ruben Amorim respects Manchester United’s history
It is considered one of the greatest achievements in United’s history that a player from the academy has been in every first-team squad since October 1937. That is a run of 4,325 games, and counting.
Amorim will face pressure from fans to keep that record, but it’s also important that Ineos help the United head coach in every way possible to ensure it continues while he remains in charge.
The reporters used Friday’s press conference to question Amorim on United’s remarkable record.
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Amorim pledged that he wants to maintain the record, while stressing it is a “goal” for the future.
We want to maintain that, I don’t want to be the guy to break that record, or that idea,” Amorim said.
“If you see the past of Manchester United, it’s built on kids who grow up here for a long time,” Amorim said, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News. “I think that should be our goal in the future, so I should try maintain that, that is for sure.”
😅 "I don't want to be the guy that broke that record…"
Amorim is asked about United's history of including an Academy player in the squad in every game for over 85 years 📜#MUFC pic.twitter.com/AkIZ2xQjXo
— Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) September 12, 2025
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Ineos recruitment policy helps Amorim
Ineos has prioritised young players since taking control of football operations at Old Trafford.
That has been clear with the signings of Chido Obi, Diego Leon, Ayden Heaven, Samuel Lusale, and Sekou Kone.
This means that while we are not seeing as many academy graduates in the first-team, there remains a push to trust young players.