Academy Briefing: Sir Alex attends event
Sir Alex Ferguson was at Old Trafford early on Saturday morning, spending time with Manchester United’s Academy players during our annual Celebration Event.
Find more information on that — including an upcoming short film ‘Lifeblood: United At Heart’ — and the rest of the key news from our world-famous youth set-up in our regular Academy Briefing…
SIR ALEX VISITS THE ACADEMY
At a club and an institution where some traditions date back nearly a century, the Celebration Event is a new one. Beginning in 2023, staff believe it’s the only one of its kind in the country, with Academy players’ successes in other sports, education and community endeavours being acknowledged, as well as personal growth off the pitch.
Sir Alex follows Bryan Robson and Wayne Rooney as guest of honour at the ceremony and our great ex-manager was delighted to be involved with a special day, having shown such a strong belief in young people throughout his managerial career.
“It was easy at Manchester United,” he said in a fascinating Q&A.
“All I had to go back to was the 1950s and Sir Matt Busby, producing fantastic players and team. That was the motivation, for me to carry on what Sir Matt did. He made this club — there’s absolutely no question about that. I just followed on. And it was a joy, to see young players coming through like they did.”
Sir Alex gave debuts to 89 Academy graduates in total. On Saturday, he handed out ‘United At Heart’ awards to two players who had embodied the values of Manchester United, who had been humble, excellent, adaptable, responsible, and a true team player.
He also presented Dave Bushell — Academy player liaison officer — with an award for 30 years’ fantastic service at United.
John Shiels, CEO of Manchester United Foundation, thanked two players for their actions in helping their local community and spoke about the similarities between the Foundation and the Academy in wanting young people to develop.
“As well as being a football Academy, I actually think this is a leadership Academy,” he says.
“It’s amazing when I look out here and I see so much talent. It’s talent that’s been matched with opportunity. That’s what both the Foundation and the Academy try to do together, to help the young leaders in front of us development themselves to be young men and women, and then grow.”
Players who have made first-team debuts this year were recognised, and there were two awards for Academy alumni: Craig Cathcart, for Achievements in Football; and Phil Mulryne, for Lifelong Learning.
It was a special day, and one you’ll be able to see more from in our upcoming film, ‘Lifeblood: United At Heart’. You can also read a more detailed story of the day in United Review, our beloved matchday programme, on sale for Manchester United v Crystal Palace on Sunday 2 February and available to pre-order here.
TONY WHELAN DEPARTS AFTER 34 YEARS OF SERVICE
Tony Whelan has stepped down from his Academy role after more than 30 years at Manchester United.
Whelan, 72, has made an immense contribution to the football club since returning in 1990 having first represented United as a player in the 1970s.
During his years of service, Whelan held a range of significant roles including soccer schools coach, Academy coach of various age groups and most recently Academy advisor.
He shared the following message on LinkedIn:
“After many years dedicated to Manchester United, Father Time has gently tapped me on the shoulder, and I have now stepped down from my role in the Academy. I want to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been part of my amazing journey with this magnificent football club. Serving Manchester United has, undoubtedly, been one of the honours and privileges of my life.
“My story with the club began in the autumn of 1967 when I was spotted by the legendary scout, Joe Armstrong, while playing for my town team Stretford Boys. I was just 14 years old and thought all my Christmases had come at once. I signed schoolboy forms for the club, became an apprentice in 1968 and turned professional in December 1969.
“My time as a player at Manchester United was unforgettable, and I still cherish every moment to this day! However, all good things come to an end, and I left the club in February 1973 to continue my career elsewhere. Little did I know that, 17 years later, I would return as a youth coach. This unexpected turn of events gave me the unbelievable opportunity to work with so many wonderful people - players, parents and colleagues - over the course of three decades.
“Throughout my coaching career, I have been blessed with the help, support and encouragement of countless colleagues and friends who have earned my deepest respect, gratitude, and affection. They know who they are and I will remain forever indebted to them.
“My guiding principle as a coach has always been to instil in young players a lifelong love of the game - one that will stay with them long after their childhood years. If I have achieved this, even in a small way, I am deeply humbled.
“As I step away, I do so with the utmost confidence in the club’s future. I wish Manchester United every success and look forward to watching the outstanding graduates of the Academy continue to make their way into the First Team, carrying on the club’s peerless tradition of developing homegrown players - a legacy that goes all the way back to Tom Manly in 1931.
“I feel a great sense of pride and satisfaction to have played a small part in this incredible journey and I leave with nothing but the fondest of memories.
“Meanwhile, you’ll still see me at the far post!”
Whelan transcended many eras at United having played under Sir Matt Busby, worked closely with Sir Alex Ferguson and played a key role in crafting our world leading youth development system.
There are countless amounts of professional footballers, not least the 97 Academy graduates who have made their debuts for United during his time at the club, who will be grateful for the impact that Tony had on their careers and lives.
He embodied the ethos of United’s Academy and was beloved by players of all ages, parents and colleagues alike. Anyone who had the pleasure of spending time with him came away richer for the experience.
Whelan will forever be embedded into the history of Manchester United and will always be welcome back at the club with his legacy cemented having recently had the indoor pitch at The Cliff named after him.
Everybody sends our heartfelt thanks to Tony for everything he did for the club and wishes him all the best in his next steps.
WINS FOR U18s AND U21s
Adam Lawrence’s Under-18s maintained a 100 per cent league record with an 11th consecutive win. Jaydan Kamason’s 51st-minute goal was all that separated United and Wolves at their Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground.
The Under-21s also earned a hard-fought victory on the road, beating Brighton & Hove Albion thanks to an early Sam Mather penalty.
Under-18s highlights: Wolves v United
U18s HIGHLIGHTS | Adam Lawrence's young Reds were on the road against Wolves at the weekend...
LOAN MOVES
Congratulations to Ethan Wheatley (Walsall) and Jack Kingdon (Rochdale) on securing loan moves and a chance to gain more senior experience. We’ll be following both players’ progress throughout the season and wish them all the best.
TOBY IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Well done to our 251st Academy graduate Toby Collyer, whose performances against Rangers — as a starter — and Fulham, as a substitute, earned praise from all quarters this week. A late goalline clearance at Craven Cottage in Sunday evening’s 1-0 Premier League win was particularly headline-making, with United’s goalscorer Lisandro Martinez describing Toby as a “big example for the young generation".
"I'm really happy for him because he is working so hard every day and he is so humble,” Licha said. “He deserves it all."
COMING UP
United U21s play our final game in the inaugural National League Cup group stages this week. Travelling to Oldham Athletic on Wednesday, Travis Binnion’s side are aiming to make it four wins from four and progress into the quarter-finals with flying colours. They have already beaten Forest Green Rovers, Altrincham and Rochdale in this competition.
Fans can attend at Boundary Park by buying tickets here, and the 19:00 GMT kick-off will also be shown live on MUTV.
We have another live game for you later in the week, as the U18s host Manchester City at Carrington in a fascinating match-up in the U18 Premier League. Kick-off is at 11:00 GMT on Saturday morning, with coverage beginning five minutes before.
Good to luck our Under-17s, as well, who take on Newcastle United in the Premier League Cup this week.
MUTV INFO AT A GLANCE
Wednesday 29 January | Oldham v UNITED U21s | 19:00 | Live on MUTV
Saturday 1 February | UNITED U18s v Man City | 11:00 | Live on MUTV