Academy Weekly: Regular league seasons conclude
As our Under-18s prepared for a national final with a home victory and our Under-21s concluded their league campaign, the next generation took their first steps at Manchester United and an exciting new documentary series was announced. Here’s everything you need to know from the last seven days at our world-famous Academy…
COMING SOON: LIFEBLOOD
In anticipation of a landmark 250th Academy graduate making a first-team debut, achieved by Stockport-born striker Ethan Wheatley in April, club media have followed players, parents and staff to explore the workings of one of the world’s most cherished sporting institutions.
‘Lifeblood’ is a new story-driven documentary series utilising exclusive behind-the-scenes access to explore what drives the achievements and the philosophy of youth development at the club.
Watch the opening scene of ‘Lifeblood: History’
OPENING SCENE | Watch as youth expert Harry Robinson introduces the first film in our new series, 'Lifeblood'...
Interviews with current first-team graduates will emphasise how the Academy’s core values mould successful people on and off the pitch.
'Lifeblood' will be available to MUTV subscribers via the United App, ManUtd.com and the club's linear channel. Read more about the exciting new series here.
UNDER-18S DEFEAT EVERTON
A first-half Gabriele Biancheri double and Malachi Sharpe’s 83rd-minute strike earned our Under-18s a 3-1 home victory over Everton to cap off a fantastic title-winning season.
The young Reds, led by Adam Lawrence, confirmed their crown in April with two games still to play. We have since lifted the U18 Premier League Cup, in addition, and are now preparing for the national final of the league. You can watch highlights of their latest game below, while we received confirmation of our opponents in the national final on Tuesday, as Chelsea's latest victory confirmed their status as winners of the southern division.
Fixture details, including date and stadium, will be communicated as soon as possible.
U18s highlights: United v Everton
Catch up on the action and reaction from our Under-18s' game against Everton at Carrington...
PREMIER LEAGUE 2 CAMPAIGN ENDS
Our Under-21s’ league campaign concluded last Friday evening with a 6-2 defeat at Arsenal in the Premier League 2 knockouts. Competing at the last-16 stage in the inaugural year of the new league format, United had qualified via a 12th-placed position in the regular season. Arsenal, who finished fifth, put in an impressive performance to establish a 4-0 lead before United hit back through a Sam Mather free-kick. The Gunners extended their advantage before the game’s conclusion, at which Gabriele Biancheri scored a second consolation goal.
Travis Binnion’s squad throughout the season have been exposed to challenges at U17, U18, U19, U21 and first-team levels. The diverse mix of players, in terms of age and physical development, has been cultivated to push each individual and this notably youthful side has learned a great deal.
GRADUATE ACHIEVEMENTS
Axel Tuanzebe, playing under our former U18s coach Kieran McKenna, helped Ipswich Town to a 2-0 home victory over Huddersfield Town, which sealed a remarkable promotion to the Premier League. Congratulations, Axel!
In our first team, three Academy graduates started on Monday night, at Crystal Palace, with Ethan Wheatley coming off the bench for his second appearance. It’s now more than 4,250 consecutive first-team games with a graduate in the matchday squad, a record stretching back to October 1937.
U9S SIGNING DAY AT OLD TRAFFORD
Meanwhile, the next generation were beginning their journey as next season’s Under-9s cohort had the opportunity to play at Old Trafford to mark the landmark moment. The young lads were presented with their first United shirt and enjoyed a special day with their families at the Theatre of Dreams.
COMING UP
There are no fixtures for our U18s or U21s sides this week, with both teams’ regular league season now concluded. Keep an eye out for confirmation of our U18 Premier League national final, which will be contested against Chelsea.