Academy Briefing: Liverpool join Munich rememberance

Read about that, late loans move, watch U18s highlights and learn when our next FA Youth Cup tie will be played in our regular Briefing…

LIVERPOOL VISIT CARRINGTON FOR MUNICH EDUCATION

Our U13s put on a short presentation at Carrington on Saturday about the Busby Babes, the Munich Air Disaster and United’s subsequent revival. Their audience were their counterparts from Liverpool.

The session follows something similar hosted at Liverpool’s Melwood Training Centre last season around the 35th anniversary of the Hillsborough Disaster.

On both occasions, the two sides then played a friendly game, prior to which one United U13 read a poem he’d written about Munich, and the two captains laid wreaths.

U13s TO ATTEND MEMORIAL SERVICE

As part of ‘A United Education’, our U13s learn about United’s history, and Munich more specifically, each year. They research the Busby Babes, the state of English football in the 1950s, and listen to talks from supporters who watched the team before and after Munich. Sometimes, they even get to hear from the relatives of those who died at Munich.

On the most significant anniversaries, this group have attended ceremonies in Belgrade and Munich to mark the occasion. This year, they will attend Thursday’s service at Old Trafford, where a member of both the Boys’ and Girls’ academies will read a poem.

U18s DUO SPEAK AT MATCHDAY CEREMONY

The U13s will not be the only Academy representatives at our services paying tribute to those who died at Munich. Last Sunday, U18s duo Tyler Fredricson and Jacob Devaney spoke movingly about the enduring legacy of the Busby Babes and Munich on the Academy players today.

“When you put on that blazer and you’re told that you have the chance to write your own chapter in this incredible book, you know that those who died at Munich still inspire — not just because they died — but because of how they played, with style, bravery, team work," they said. 

Brian Kidd (Academy graduate number 73 and 1968 European Cup winner) was impressed with Fredricson and Devaney’s speech, and his presence alongside the duo showed the continuing link our youth set-up enjoys with our rich history.

DEPARTURES

Everyone at the Academy would like to wish the very best of luck to departing duo Ruben Curley and Sekou Kaba, who have signed for Championship clubs. Academy staff will continue to monitor their progress closely and celebrate their every achievement, of which we're sure there will be many.

There were also some late loan moves ahead of Monday's transfer deadline. Winger Sam Mather and defender Louis Jackson have secured a stint together at Tranmere Rovers, while Dan Gore will spend the remainder of the campaign with Rotherham United. Goalkeeper Tom Myles has joined up with Leek Town, but will still be able to train at Carrington and be available for some Academy games. Good luck to them all!

U18s DEFEATED

After 11 consecutive victories in the league, our U18s' winning run ended last Saturday at home to Manchester City, and the young Reds were also beaten in the U18 Premier League Cup quarter-final at West Ham.

U21s PROGRESS TO QUARTER-FINALS

Second-half goals from Jack Moorhouse, Chido Obi, Malachi Sharpe, Sam Mather and Victor Musa gave United’s U21s a fine 5-0 victory over Oldham Athletic last Wednesday.

Victory maintained our winning streak in the inaugural National League Cup and secures our place in the quarter-finals.

COMING UP

Friday 7 February | UNITED U21s v Tottenham | 19:00 | Not live (clash with first-team fixture)

Saturday 8 February | Liverpool v UNITED U18s | 11:00 | Live on MUTV