Academy Weekly: Young Reds return to action

OVERSEAS EXPERIENCES

The Under-16s, for example, are recently returned from Hong Kong having attended the fourth Jockey Club Youth Football Academy Summit. The young Reds had previously travelled to the summit in 2017, 2018 and 2023.

Club greats Dimitar Berbatov and John O’Shea accompanied the group as they met fans in Hong Kong, helping the young players understand how to best act as ambassadors for United while abroad.

“The young players who participated in this year’s event had a unique opportunity to not only play overseas against opponents they have never faced before, but also learn about different cultures and lifestyles,” explained Nick Cox, Director of Academy.

"It'll be an experience that will stay with them for a lifetime, no matter where their path leads. Thank you to The Hong Kong Jockey Club for creating this experience and inviting the Manchester United Academy to be a part of it."

United played two friendly games against the Hong Kong, China Premier Youth League Select team and the Hong Kong, China U16 Representative Team at the Mong Kok Stadium.

While this Under-16s trip is one of the real highlights of any Academy player’s journey, all age groups have spent time on trips or tours this summer. Those in the Professional Development Phase (U17-U21) have competed at SuperCupNI (formerly the Milk Cup) in Northern Ireland, the Mladen Ramljak Tournament in Zagreb, Croatia — where they were runners-up to Dinamo Zagreb — and the Otten Innovation Cup in Eindhoven.

PREMIER LEAGUE 2 SEASON BEGINS

United’s Under-21s were defeated 4-2 at Arsenal in their opening game of the new season in Premier League 2, a 26-team league competition in which clubs aim to finish in the top 16 to qualify for the end-of-season knockouts. United did so last season, but were beaten by the Gunners in the play-offs.

After trailing by four at half-time, goals from Ethan Ennis and Ethan Wheatley got United back into the game but the Reds were unable to draw level.

DRAMATIC EFL TROPHY VICTORY AT BARNSLEY

Travis Binnion’s side returned to action just four days later, travelling to Barnsley to take on the League One side in the EFL Trophy. United’s other opponents in the group stages will be Huddersfield Town (in September) and Doncaster Rovers (in November).

After another disappointing first half in which United conceded twice, the Reds showed their composure to regain a foothold in the game before mounting an extraordinary late comeback. Ethan Ennis's tidy 80th-minute finish kicked things off before substitute Jack Fletcher pounced on a bouncing loose ball to provide a stunning edge-of-the-box strike and equalise. He crept in just three minutes later to score his second, United's third and the winner.

Thanks to the hundreds of United fans who travelled to Oakwell for the Group F fixture and made it a memorable night for our players.

NEW SCHOLARS INDUCTED

In early July, the latest intake of Academy players for the PDP group were hosted at Old Trafford for a special induction ceremony. Ten young players were at the Theatre of Dreams with their families to celebrate the day they became full-time footballers.

Nick Cox addressed the group on the significance of their achievements, and the pride they should all feel in becoming a first-year scholar at the club.

Travis Binnion and Adam Lawrence spoke about the variety of exciting coaching, playing, educational and cultural experiences and opportunities ahead of the players as they continue to work towards becoming established professional footballers.

Players were then officially presented with their Manchester United club suit, including the iconic blazer. United stalwart and Academy advisor, Tony Whelan, explained the historic significance of the suits having had the honour to wear it himself as a player under Sir Matt Busby in 1968.

The initial intake includes 10 players, with many of the group already experiencing Under-18s football last season, with the promotion of youngsters above their age group helping to further their development.

We would like to wish all of the new intake the very best for their future careers. They are: Daniel Armer (Defender), James Bailey (Midfielder), Cameron Byrne-Hughes (Goalkeeper), Frederick Heath (Goalkeeper), Amir Ibragimov (Forward), Godwill Kukonki (Defender), Bendito Mantato (Forward), Albert Mills (Defender), Dante Plunkett (Defender) and Jim Thwaites (Midfielder).

TWO NEW CONTRACTS SIGNED

Congratulations to Ethan Ennis and Sam Mather, both of whom have signed new long-term professional contracts.

Both forwards were involved in our 2022 FA Youth Cup triumph and have developed well since. Sam earned his first experience in senior football on loan at Rochdale AFC last season, where he netted two goals in 10 National League appearances.

CUP DRAWS MADE

United’s Under-21s will face Hertha BSC, Nordsjaelland, PSV Eindhoven and Sparta Prague in the Premier League International Cup. This is the ninth season in which the 32-team tournament has taken place, with 16 teams from the English league system and sixteen invitees from other European countries. There are four groups of eight and the top two will progress into the knockouts.

The Under-18s will take on Leeds United, Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur in the U18 PL Cup, which they won last season by defeating Manchester City in the final.

That was one of three trophies won by the Under-18s, including the national title, which has qualified the team for the UEFA Youth League. The draw for this will be held on 3 September in Nyon. United, who will be managed by Adam Lawrence, will compete in the Domestic Champions path. This will consist of three knockout rounds with two-legged ties (home and away matches). Ten clubs will progress from these knockouts into the round of 32 against clubs ranked 7 to 16 in the ‘league phase’, which mirrors the UEFA Champions League draw and schedule.

DEPARTURES

Omari Forson (AC Monza, Serie A), Charlie McNeill (Sheffield Wednesday, Championship) and Shola Shoretire (PAOK, Greek Super League) have all departed the club after the expiry of their contracts. We wish them all the very best with their careers and they’ll always be welcome back at United as part of our Alumni scheme: ‘United Once, United Forever’.

Meanwhile, goalkeepers Radek Vitek (Blau-Weiss Linz, Austrian Bundesliga) and Tom Wooster (Farsley Celtic, National League North) and striker Joe Hugill (Wigan Athletic, League One) have left on loan to gain experience in the senior game. We look forward to following their progress over the next few months.

COMING UP THIS WEEK

The Under-21s host Stoke City on Friday night (7pm kick-off) at Leigh Sports Village. The Under-18s begin their U18 Premier League season with a Saturday morning (11:30am kick-off) trip to Manchester City.