Study backs up United's Academy success
In addition to fielding five homegrown starters in the opening game of 2019/20 at the weekend, Manchester United led the way in terms of Academy players appearing in the Premier League last season.
PA Sport’s extensive research showed United’s youngsters amassed 9,334 minutes in the first team, well clear of second-placed Tottenham and West Ham United in third spot. Paul Pogba topped our list with 3,245 minutes, with Marcus Rashford next on 2,494 and homegrown players accounting for some 23 per cent of our total league playing time.
"These are amazing statistics that tell you everything you need to know about Manchester United," commented Head of Academy Nick Cox to MUTV. "I think it kind of just confirms what we already knew. We've got more boys playing in our team than any other club in the Premier League and also boys playing across the country as well, at various clubs.
"It's no secret. Opportunity is the ingredient that sets fire to talent and it's the ingredient, traditionally, we've always had and are striving to continue to have. It's what sets us aside and gives everybody the fuel to the fire. It gives the boys and the staff real belief we're here for a purpose and here for reason."
Playing time given to footballers from a club’s own Academy 2018/19:
1. UNITED 9,334 minutes (9 players)
2. Tottenham 6,887 minutes (6 players)
3. West Ham 6,771 minutes (5 players)
4. Crystal Palace 6,602 minutes (3 players)
5. Southampton 5,866 minutes (9 players)
Total playing time for footballers from Academy clubs in 2018/19:
1. UNITED 27,395 minutes (20 players)
2. Tottenham 17,903 minutes (13 players)
3. Southampton 15,964 minutes (16 players)
4. Chelsea 15,870 minutes (9 players)
5. Manchester City 13,605 minutes (8 players)