Fans react to Lifeblood on YouTube
Fans of Manchester United and rival clubs have been reacting to the YouTube release of the Lifeblood documentary series on our world-famous Academy.
Having originally been available for MUTV subscribers, after a period of exclusivity, the four full Lifeblood films are available for registered users on ManUtd.com and the United App and now also on YouTube.
Lifeblood: History premiered on Friday evening, with Reds coming together to learn the full story of United’s Academy, Alejandro Garnacho’s rise from new Carrington arrival to Old Trafford star and how he, and the next generation, within that magical past.
“Goosebumps from the intro,” said @CurrieOG. You can watch the start below.
Lifeblood: History
LIFEBLOOD 1 | ‘History’ tells the story of our iconic Academy, with a focus on Alejandro Garnacho’s emergence…
Another said: “Keep the flame alive. Oh man, that got me right in ye olde heart.” They were referring to a quote from Tony Whelan, now Academy Programme Advisor, whose association with the club began as a junior player in July 1968.
“I always feel when I come here, like being on a pilgrimage,” Whelan says, as he and presenter Harry Robinson walk onto the pitch at The Cliff training ground.
“I come here a lot and, every time I come to The Cliff, I have the same feeling, I have the same memory and it's July 1968. It's my first day training and I'm walking into George Best, Dennis Law, Bobby Charlton, Sir Matt Busby, Jimmy Murphy... club legends. I'm 15 and it's... and I look back on it and I'm thinking, you know, that happened to me! A young boy from Manchester and I came to my local club it was a special time of the club. They'd just won the European Cup.”
Earlier in the episode, Whelan stands by the eternal flame in the Munich Tunnel at Old Trafford.
“I think the thing is about the flame is that, I would like to think that the Academy keeps that flame alive,” Tony says, with the emotion clear in his eyes.
The man who played under Jimmy Murphy
Lifeblood clip | Academy advisor Tony Whelan played under Jimmy Murphy and he's still inspired by the great man...
“You know, it still shines brightly. [It’s] the scarlet thread, the lifeblood… And that's a good word, the lifeblood, because it is the lifeblood of the club. The youth system has been the lifeblood of Manchester United for generations.”
Indeed. And fans clearly agreed!
“Outstanding history and great story to share,” said Stacy Burnett, while Stuart Baird called it “immense.”
It shows the strength of the relationship between the Academy and United fans.
“PLEASE continue with the Academy series,” asked @Cls182_.
Well, there’s plenty more. After ‘History’ came a focus on ‘Innovation’.
In Episode Two, Scott McTominay — now thriving in Serie A with Napoli — discusses how his development was carefully managed as he grew a lot in a short space of time. He joins Alex Ouzounoglou, YDP Athletic Development Lead, to go through how the Academy managed his growth, and how they now manage those in the youth set-up.
Lifeblood: Innovation
LIFEBLOOD 2 | 'Innovation' revealed the incredible science behind young players' strategic development...
“Next episode please, this episode so good,” said one viewer. So, on to the third, ‘Developing People’.
Kobbie Mainoo returns to his primary school to talk about how the Academy aims to develop good people, as well as world-class footballers.
“This is good they are talking about the famous black boots,” said @Sam-od5to. “And, as a United fan, I love it.”
Why do United’s young players all wear black boots? Watch to find out!
The episode ends with a run-through of the long tradition of Academy graduates giving back to the community.
“The Sir Bobby part at the end nearly had me in tears ngl (not gonna lie),” admitted one watcher, and another: “Seeing Sir Bobby there, filling up.”
“Was thinking how can I love my club even more and I see this,” said Mark Francis.
"I don't often smile, but..."
LIFEBLOOD | "I don't often smile, but..." says Gary Neville, inspired by the next generation...
The final of the four full films is called ‘Climbing the Mountain’ and follows the full pathway from an eight-year-old joining the Academy to making their senior debut. It also goes access-all-areas on an unprecedented season of success for our Under-18s, as they won a trio of trophies, including the northern and national league titles.
“I'm a Chelsea boy, through and through, south London born & bred...... however this documentary was a masterclass,” reviewed @MrChelseafc2010, perhaps unexpectedly!
“Loved every second of it! Terrific club, Academy, staff, ethos etc. What a series.”
So, if that’s whetted your appetite, follow the links below to watch all episodes of Lifeblood now.