United celebrate 250th Academy graduate debut
When Ethan Wheatley entered the field for Manchester United against Sheffield United at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, he became the 250th Academy graduate to make his first-team debut for the club.
The landmark builds on nine decades of unbroken dedication to the development of home-grown talent, stretching back over 4,254 consecutive first-team games with an Academy graduate in the matchday squad.
Wheatley was the sixth Academy graduate to make his debut under the guidance of Erik ten Hag. This season, homegrown players have contributed to around 26 per cent of all first-team minutes and either scored or assisted around 60 per cent of goals.
Wheatley was the sixth Academy graduate to make his debut under the guidance of Erik ten Hag. This season, homegrown players have contributed to around 26 per cent of all first-team minutes and either scored or assisted around 60 per cent of goals.
The stats behind our 250 Academy graduates
ArticleDelve into some of the astonishing numbers behind this unique landmark for the Reds' youth system.
Today’s graduates – including Tom Heaton, Jonny Evans, Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay, Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, Willy Kambwala and Omari Forson – are adding to a rich heritage which has been at the heart of the club’s identity since Tom Manley became the first Academy player to play for Manchester United in 1931.
Duncan Edwards, Bill Foulkes, Bobby Charlton, Nobby Stiles, George Best, Norman Whiteside, Mark Hughes, Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher are among the graduates who went on to achieve greatness with Manchester United, while others forged successful careers across the football pyramid.
Duncan Edwards, Bill Foulkes, Bobby Charlton, Nobby Stiles, George Best, Norman Whiteside, Mark Hughes, Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher are among the graduates who went on to achieve greatness with Manchester United, while others forged successful careers across the football pyramid.
Erik ten Hag said: “Everyone at Manchester United should be very proud of our record of producing so many players with the quality and character to represent this incredible club.
“All of us at Carrington feel the responsibility to build on the legacy of the Busby Babes, the Class of 92 and the many others who have contributed to the club’s fantastic history. Strengthening the pathway between the Academy and first team has been one of my priorities as manager, and Ethan is the latest example of this process working well.
“The opportunity will always be open to those with the right talent and winning attitude to pull on the red shirt.”
“All of us at Carrington feel the responsibility to build on the legacy of the Busby Babes, the Class of 92 and the many others who have contributed to the club’s fantastic history. Strengthening the pathway between the Academy and first team has been one of my priorities as manager, and Ethan is the latest example of this process working well.
“The opportunity will always be open to those with the right talent and winning attitude to pull on the red shirt.”
Our road to 250 Academy graduates Video
Our road to 250 Academy graduates
Ethan Wheatley becomes the 250th Academy graduate to represent United at senior level - it's been a proud journey...
Nick Cox, Director of Academy, said: “All of us in the Academy are incredibly proud of this club’s illustrious history of youth development, and we congratulate Ethan on what is a fantastic personal achievement as well as a landmark for the club.
“Youth development is an important part of the lifeblood of Manchester United, running through all the great moments in the club’s history, and it is the responsibility of every new generation of Academy players and staff to keep it going.
“We owe thanks to the many talented coaches and visionary club leaders who contributed to this landmark, including James W. Gibson, Walter Crickmer, Jimmy Murphy, Sir Matt Busby, and Sir Alex Ferguson. And there are countless others behind the scenes, from scouts to kit staff, ground staff to chefs, drivers to teachers, who play a vital role in supporting our young players to maximise their potential.”
“Youth development is an important part of the lifeblood of Manchester United, running through all the great moments in the club’s history, and it is the responsibility of every new generation of Academy players and staff to keep it going.
“We owe thanks to the many talented coaches and visionary club leaders who contributed to this landmark, including James W. Gibson, Walter Crickmer, Jimmy Murphy, Sir Matt Busby, and Sir Alex Ferguson. And there are countless others behind the scenes, from scouts to kit staff, ground staff to chefs, drivers to teachers, who play a vital role in supporting our young players to maximise their potential.”
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