Lifeblood: The Academy documentary series

Across four films and several short bonus episodes, Lifeblood explores what drives the Academy’s success, its evolving philosophy, and the inspiring journeys of its graduates.

United fans can find the full Lifeblood series below and learn about the values, dedication, and culture that shape Reds players, both on and off the pitch. Expect feature interviews with graduates Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Scott McTominay, as well as a huge variety of Academy staff and alumni.

As well as providing insight to fans and aspiring footballers and coaches, Lifeblood is a tribute to the enduring spirit of United’s Academy and the incredible players and people it continues to produce. So that every fan can see this intimate and inspiring look at one of the most successful football academies in the world, every episode of Lifeblood is now available to watch for free, either here on ManUtd.com and the United App or on YouTube.

Lifeblood: History

A whistle-stop tour through the Academy’s origin story, taking viewers from the needs-must beginnings of the MUJAC (Manchester United Junior Athletic Club) in the threadbare 1930s to the slick, innovative Carrington operation helmed by Nick Cox today. It features an exclusive interview with Alejandro Garnacho, focusing on his exciting emergence.

Look out for rare shots of the old Cliff training ground, from which United won the Treble in 1999, and flashbacks to iconic graduates from the past.

You can also watch Lifeblood: History on YouTube.

Lifeblood: Innovation

Scott McTominay, now thriving in Italy’s Serie A, is taken back over to the Academy building and reunited with his old coach for an in-depth discussion on how United’s youth set-up cares for every player individually. Scott candidly shares his difficulties with growth as a teenager, asking the current Academy staff how they approach the challenges now and how technology has helped them better manage player maturation and loads.

There’s also fascinating insight into the advances of sports science technology and changes to the psychological support on offer to Academy players.

You can also watch Lifeblood: Innovation on YouTube.

Lifeblood: Developing People

The third Lifeblood film takes Kobbie Mainoo back to his old primary school as Academy staff, parents and players discuss what it means to be a ‘United Person’ and how one is created. There’s a focus on which players are presented with the historic blazers and when, why black boots are worn up to a certain age and other traditions which embody the ethos of the United Academy.

You can also watch Lifeblood: Developing People on YouTube.

Lifeblood: Climbing the Mountain

The fourth feature film 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, which culminated with the Under-18s winning a remarkable three trophies.

The 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.

You can also watch Lifeblood: Climbing the Mountain on YouTube.

LIFEBLOOD SHORTS

In addition to the full-length episodes, regular short films have showcased specific player journeys and themes, with more still to come. See the latest shorts and clips below.