Academy Weekly: Clubs mark Hillsborough anniversary
As on-pitch development continued at Under-18 and Under-21 levels, it was a series of fantastic off-pitch events that defined the last week at the famous Manchester United Academy. Here’s everything you need to know…
UNITED COMMEMORATE HILLSBOROUGH DISASTER
The Academy was proud to join with Liverpool in paying tribute to the victims of the Hillsborough disaster ahead of the 35th anniversary today (Monday 15 April).
Last Thursday, our Under-12s and Under-13s players received a passionate education session from their coaches, explaining the impact of the disaster, how it occurred and the implications of tragedy chanting.
“The 97 [fans who died] could have been you, me or anyone who loves football,” the coaches told the kids. “Nobody should go to a football match and not come home.
“We’re very proud and honoured to be chosen by Liverpool to go and play them on Saturday and take part in the service and be respectful.”
On Saturday morning, Margaret Aspinall — whose son, James, died at Hillsborough, aged only 18 — and local MP Ian Byrne spoke to the boys. United and Liverpool’s young teams then paid their respects at the Hillsborough memorial on site before playing competitive fixtures.
The Academy session follows the launch of an education programme delivered by Manchester United Foundation and Liverpool FC Foundation to young people across Greater Manchester and Merseyside on how the two clubs, and cities, are united by the huge impact the Munich and Hillsborough disasters had.
UNDER-21s PAY TRIBUTE BEFORE OLD TRAFFORD EXPERIENCE
As United and Liverpool’s Under-21s sides also met over the weekend, facing off at Old Trafford on Friday night, a minute’s silence was held and wreaths laid before kick-off.
Players and staff were delighted to see such a strong crowd of nearly 15,000 in attendance. Liverpool finished 3-0 victors and you can watch highlights of the game below.
U21s highlights: United v Liverpool
Highlights | Watch three minutes of action from our Premier League 2 meeting with Liverpool at Old Trafford...
FLETCHER OPENS THE GRADUATE LOUNGE
Saturday’s matches at Carrington saw parents try out the training ground’s new Graduate Lounge, opened officially in a ceremony last week by Darren Fletcher. The former Scotland international came through the Academy before winning five Premier League titles with United and now works as the club’s Technical Director. Fletcher and fellow graduates Tom Heaton and Phil Marsh participated in a Q&A with Nick Cox in front of all Academy staff.
The Graduate Lounge acts as a designated space for parents and families of Academy players, with food and drink facilities and games for kids. The walls feature illustrations of some of our most famous graduates as well as a full list of every Academy player to make a first-team debut for the club. That list now includes 249 players since the first, Tom Manley, in October 1931. Omari Forson is the latest.
UNDER-18s WIN AT CARRINGTON
A James Scanlon double and goals from Gabriele Biancheri and Ethan Williams helped our U18s to a 4-2 home victory over Stoke City on Saturday morning. You can watch the highlights below.
U18s highlights: United v Stoke
Highlights | Watch the key moments from our U18 Premier League clash with Stoke at Carrington…
ACADEMY PLAYERS HELP FOUNDATION
Academy players joined up with the Manchester United Foundation over the Easter break, attending holiday camps at Dean Trust Broadoak School and Loreto High School, helping coach the kids in attendance and signing autographs.
Reds midfielder Maxi Oyedele said: “Elyh [Harrison], Ashton [Missin] and I can see that the children are so excited, they want to ask us questions — it’s brilliant and it’s been really fun.
“I remember when I did this type of thing when I was a kid and loved it. I’m sure these guys are enjoying it too. It gets them off the street, playing with other kids, through football. It’s great.”
KOBBIE AND ALEJANDRO ON GOLDEN BOY SHORTLIST
Academy graduates Kobbie Mainoo (18) and Alejandro Garnacho (19) have both been included in the Golden Boy Football Benchmark Index, featuring the top 100 Under-21 players in European football. Inclusion in this index is the first step to being named European Golden Boy for 2024.
WHEATLEY EARNS FIRST SPOT IN MATCHDAY SQUAD
Ethan Wheatley was included in the senior matchday squad for the first time as United visited Bournemouth on Saturday. Congratulations to the 18-year-old striker, who has worked hard all season and will have learned a great deal from the experience. He was joined in the squad by Harry Amass and Habeeb Ogunneye, two more Academy players yet to make their debuts.
KOVAR AND FOSU-MENSAH WIN BUNDESLIGA
Congratulations to Academy alumni Matej Kovar and Timothy Fosu-Mensah, who have won the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen. Matej, a goalkeeper, left us last summer and has made 13 appearances in all competitions this season while defender Timothy joined the German side in 2020 after winning the UEFA Europa League and EFL Cup at United.
ORDER YOUR U18 CUP FINAL TICKETS
Later this month, on Tuesday 23 April, United will contest the Under-18 Premier League Cup final against rivals Manchester City. Supporters can order tickets for free here and the Academy would love to see as many fans as possible in attendance for the big night at Leigh Sports Village.
COMING UP THIS WEEK
The Under-18s travel to Wolves on Tuesday afternoon (13:00 BST), knowing that a victory will secure the Under-18 Premier League North title. The game will be shown live on MUTV, ManUtd.com and the United App.
The Under-21s visit Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday for a lunchtime kick-off (12:00 BST), and again, we'll be showing it live across our TV channel, website and app.