Gary Neville's message to United's next generation

The latest film in MUTV’s ground-breaking series uses unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to show the special moments in an Academy player’s journey towards a first-team debut. The first of these is ‘Signing Day’, when the club’s future group of Under-9s are welcomed to Old Trafford with their families.

The youngsters get to play on the famous pitch and take photos with current first-teamer Jonny Evans (graduate 185) before they are presented with their first official United kit and hear from those who have gone before.

And then a surprise is sprung, and Neville arrives, striding into the press conference room inside the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand, named after the club’s legendary 41st graduate.

“I don’t smile very often but actually it’s just made me smile seeing you all in this front row,” Neville tells the kids.

“Because it does take me back to when I was younger and I came to Old Trafford for the first time at the age of five and then signed for United.

“I felt like all my dreams had come true and I’m sure yours do this morning, so well done to you all.”

Neville came through United’s Academy during the late 1980s and early 1990s, famously becoming part of the ‘Class of ‘92’.

He, David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, brother Phil Neville and Paul Scholes gradually progressed through the ranks and became stars for United’s first-team, winning the Treble - the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League - together in 1999.

Neville played on at United for another dozen years and has since experienced success off the pitch, as a broadcaster, businessman, football club owner and coach. His work ethic was partly instilled by those at our Academy, leaving him well-placed to provide advice to the next generation. But it's also a touching moment to see Neville appreciate the significance of the day, remembering his own childhood.

“It was a surprise and a lovely moment for the kids,” said Jarrad Ince, pre-Academy manager.

“Obviously these children see Gary on the TV and he spoke really well. He was really honest and I think that’s important."

It turns out some kids do grow up wanting to be the next Gary Neville!

“When we’re trying to recruit children, yes, we think we have the best environment, but there are [also] data and statistics to back that up," explains Jarrad.

“Until the third Saturday of May these children can go to any other clubs. As you can imagine, we’re in a hotbed of other football clubs, probably the most demanding area in England. I think it’s a process where these children and their families really feel that Manchester United is the correct place for their child to develop.

“I think we hone in quite a lot on the programme being child-centered and quite a relaxed atmosphere. We try and take the pressure off and allow these children to be creative and try things.”

‘Lifeblood: Climbing the Mountain’ shows how that philosophy lives on throughout the Academy journey, finishing with a focus on a record-breaking treble-winning campaign for the club’s Under-18s side last time out.

MUTV subscribers can watch the latest Lifeblood film from Friday 18 October (19:00 BST). Subscribe now to be able to watch.