How to watch Lifeblood: Climbing the Mountain
With unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to Manchester United’s world-famous Academy, the fourth feature film in MUTV’s ground-breaking Lifeblood series reveals how the club’s young players ‘climb the mountain’ towards the first-team and gives access-all-areas to the record-breaking 2023/24 season, in which the Under-18s won three trophies.
Available to watch from 19:00 BST on Friday 18 October, ‘Lifeblood: Climbing the Mountain’ follows earlier instalments in the series which lifted the lid on how history, innovation and commitment to developing people define the Academy’s philosophy and day-to-day activities.
The latest 45-minute documentary shows viewers exactly how the Academy pathway works, starting with a memorable day at Old Trafford when the young Reds, aged nine, officially sign for the club and ending, for some, with that special moment they step back on to the pitch at the Theatre of Dreams for their senior debut.
Stars past and present feature, with former-club captain Gary Neville seen giving a talk to the Under-9s on their first day at United, defender Jonny Evans welcoming them to Old Trafford and striker Ethan Wheatley shown in the days building up to and after his April debut. Wheatley became the 250th Academy graduate when he came on as a substitute against Sheffield United and it’s this remarkable record, demonstrating United’s near-century-old commitment to youth, which Lifeblood celebrates.
Watch the trailer below and subscribe now for access to the full film on Friday.
Trailer | Lifeblood: Climbing the Mountain
COMING SOON | Lifeblood goes behind the scenes during a record-breaking U18s season...
NEVILLE’S INSPIRING TALK
The film begins with a special day at Old Trafford where a select group of the best young talents from United’s pre-Academy are officially welcomed to the club. Up until this point, those youngsters training with United can’t wear the club’s famous red shirt in training or matches, but on this day, they’re presented with their first and get to play on the turf.
As part of the day, club great Gary Neville, Academy graduate number 127 himself, speaks to the boys about their landmark.
“I don’t smile very often but actually it’s just made me smile seeing you all in this front row,” he says.
“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.”
WHAT THE PATHWAY LOOKS LIKE
Fans might think that the Academy operates simply on an age group basis, and there is some truth to that. But there are distinct, larger groups within the set-up that define the philosophy and style of coaching. These are: Foundation Phase (U9-U11), Youth Development Phase (U12-U16), Professional Development Phase (U17-U21).
‘Lifeblood: Climbing the Mountain’ explains the key differences between these phases.
HOW THE TROPHIES WERE WON
Last season was one of unprecedented success for the Academy, with the Under-18s winning a trio of trophies: the U18 Premier League northern and national titles and the U18 Premier League Cup.
The latest Lifeblood film shows how the trophies were won, including following the team on a unique mid-season training camp in the south of France, with friendlies against OGC Nice and AS Monaco.
You’ll see the moment the squad returned to Carrington as northern champions, to be welcomed by staff, including first-team manager Erik ten Hag, for a celebratory meal in the canteen. You’ll hear speeches from Nick Cox, Director of Academy, and team captain Finley McAllister.
“We’ve got the first part of the job done,” the lifelong United fan and midfielder says.
“We’ve got two big finals to play in and we are more than capable of winning both of them and I think we believe that we can. I look forward to it.”
U18s lift the Premier League Cup!
TROPHY LIFT! We are so proud of our exciting Under-18s, the new Premier League Cup champions...
Seven days later, you’ll go behind-the-scenes at Leigh Sports Village for the U18 Premier League Cup final against Manchester City. You’ll feel like you’re on the pitch, among the trophy lift and inside the post-match huddle with coach Adam Lawrence. And then in the dressing room celebrations, too.
The same is true a fortnight later for the national final at Stamford Bridge as United’s players celebrate what they call ‘the last dance’. It really is access all areas for a special series of achievements.
HOW TO WATCH LIFEBLOOD ON MUTV
Our latest MUTV Original drops at 19:00 BST on Friday.
Subscribe now to enjoy the film in full and to gain access to our box set of documentaries, including four full films and two shorts from the Lifeblood series, with more still to come.