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Manchester United's academy is thriving after former boss Ruben Amorim's criticism of the youth set-up.
United's youngsters celebrate
United's youngsters celebrate
Things are looking up at Manchester United, and nowhere more so is that the case than in the club's academy. Ruben Amorim criticised the club's youth set-up during his time as manager, accusing some United starlets of having a "feeling of entitlement", while very few youngsters were given an opportunity in the first team under his leadership.
Michael Carrick has looked to address the situation since his arrival as interim head coach, offering opportunities to a number of academy stars while also attending plenty of academy games.
The head coach was in attendance as United beat Oxford in the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup at Oxford on Wednesday night, and the young Reds will fancy their chances of going all the way in the competition for the first time in four years.
The future is bright at United, and here are the latest academy headlines:
United’s Set-Piece Weapon
JJ Gabriel and Chido Obi may grab all the headlines in the academy, but United have a secret weapon up their sleeve in Jim Thwaites. The midfielder showed his class in open play and from dead-ball situations on Wednesday night, and he could be key in the club's bid for FA Youth Cup glory. READ HERE >>>
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Fletcher's Carrick Admission
Following a brief stint as caretaker manager, Fletcher returned to his role as the Under-18s lead coach. He oversaw the win over Oxford on Wednesday night and was asked about Michael Carrick being in attendance after the game. READ HERE >>>
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The Rise of Kai Rooney
Kai Rooney, the son of club legend Wayne Rooney, recently made an emotional debut at Old Trafford for the Under-18s in the FA Youth Cup. Following his impressive development and goalscoring record in the youth ranks, the 16-year-old is looking to follow in the footsteps of his father in becoming a fan favourite at United. READ HERE >>>
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Fletcher’s Guidance for Chido Obi
Obi has enjoyed a fine week after scoring against Manchester City in the academy derby on Saturday and then netting in the FA Youth Cup win over Oxford. The youngster enjoyed time with the first team last season but has dropped back down to academy level this term, and he's clearly eager to listen to the advice being passed on to him by Under-18 coach Fletcher. READ HERE >>>
Update on Chido Obi
United are happy with Obi's development in the academy this season. Obi scored for the Under-18s against City on Saturday afternoon before scoring in the FA Youth Cup on Wednesday. Obi impressed during the derby win with his out-of-possession work. It's understood that staff were delighted with Obi's display and believed his off-the-ball work was some of his finest of the season. READ HERE >>>