Manchester United, perhaps more so than anyone else in the Premier League era, are a club renowned for producing young talent.The Red Devils have had at least one member from their academy in every first-team matchday squad since 1937, that’s a run of well over 4,300 matches, with 44 major trophies accumulated in the process, including three Champions League honours.
Names such as Bobby Charlton, George Best, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and David Beckham among others are all synonymous with the club’s history while more recent examples such as Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba have also made their mark since coming through the ranks in the post Sir Alex Ferguson era.
However, as it stands the club are in danger of potentially losing that long-running record this season. Kobbie Mainoo, who faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford, has often been one of the only names from the academy in this season’s matchday squads while there’s not a great deal of other names currently in contention for selection at this time.
But it’s not necessarily a case of United not producing the players, and is perhaps more a damning indictment on the team’s transfer policy and their habit of letting go of good talent too soon. With that in mind, we take a look at how United could line-up if they only used players from their academy.
Dean Henderson made 13 appearances for Manchester United after joining the academy aged 14. He's now established himself as a top-class Premier League goalkeeper and an England international. He also helped Crystal Palace win the FA Cup last season.
1. GK: Dean Henderson
Dean Henderson made 13 appearances for Manchester United after joining the academy aged 14. He's now established himself as a top-class Premier League goalkeeper and an England international. He also helped Crystal Palace win the FA Cup last season. | Getty Images
Alvaro Carreras has just joined Real Madrid from Benfica after impressing in the Portuguese capital. He's been a key figure for Xabi Alonso's side at left-back, but features in our team as a centre-back to fit into Ruben Amorim's preferred system.
2. CB: Alvaro Carreras
Alvaro Carreras has just joined Real Madrid from Benfica after impressing in the Portuguese capital. He's been a key figure for Xabi Alonso's side at left-back, but features in our team as a centre-back to fit into Ruben Amorim's preferred system. | Getty Images
Willy Kambwala joined United's academy in 2020 and was on the books for four years before joining Spanish side Villarreal. He played 21 times for the club last season, helping them to secure Champions League qualification in the process.
3. CB: Willy Kambwala
Willy Kambwala joined United's academy in 2020 and was on the books for four years before joining Spanish side Villarreal. He played 21 times for the club last season, helping them to secure Champions League qualification in the process. | Getty Images
4. CB: Michael Keane
Experienced Everton defender Michael Keane completes our three man backline. He's represented England 12 times and has played over 200 matches for Everton since joining in 2017. He was a member of United's FA Youth Cup winning team in 2011 but only made one Premier League appearance for the Red Devils. | Getty Images