Manchester United’s academy is in a good place right now, packed with talent forming impressive U18 and U21 teams, however, Sir Jim Ratcliffe isn’t convinced.
Throughout Manchester United’s history, the academy has been a pivotal part of the club from the Class of 92′ to the Busby Babes.
There have been 254 academy graduates at United and the list of players includes some icons of the sport. Among the best United academy graduates are the likes of Paul Scholes, David Beckham and Paul Pogba.
Despite the pedigree, even in recent years with Kobbie Mainoo, Ruben Amorim seems reluctant to use the youth, which has baffled supporters.
Now, Sir Jim Ratcliffe may have revealed the thinking behind this.
Jim Thwaites of Manchester United walks out the tunnel at Old Trafford.
Photo by Poppy Townson – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
Sir Jim Ratcliffe makes concerning admission over Manchester United academy
While many think that United’s academy has been restored to its glory after Nick Cox’s work, Ratcliffe has disagreed.
Ratcliffe told The Times‘ Business podcast of his concern over the academy at United right now, raising financial concerns.
“The academy has really slipped at Manchester United,” Ratcliffe said.
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“You need the academy to be producing talent all the time. It helps you financially.
“That’s not a light switch. You don’t solve the academy problem overnight. It takes time. We just recruited a new academy director.”
United have appointed Stephen Torpey this season as the new academy director, however, even he will be surprised by Ratcliffe’s concern.
To think that the academy has slipped, Ratcliffe must be watching different games and players to us, with it clear that United’s academy is one of the very best in the country and maybe even the continent.
JJ Gabriel, Shea Lacey, Jim Thwaites, Amir Ibragimov, Jack Fletcher and Bendito Mantato are all top class talents, to name a few, and are all considered future first-team players by those who watch often.
Ratcliffe’s comments are disappointing and an unneeded dig at the academy, which is the shining light of the club, and could be perceived much better if Amorim gave the players a chance.
Ratcliffe mentioned the academy and it being a financial tool, which is a worry, as developing players just to sell them isn’t the United way.
Hopefully, these comments were out of context, but if not it shows Ratcliffe hasn’t got a clue about the academy.