Published 11:21 IST, October 31st 2019
Manchester United extends tradition of fielding homegrown players
Manchester United have named an academy graduate in every single one of their games in the last 82 years. Read more to find out more about the academy players.
Premier League heavyweights Manchester United started the ritual of naming an academy graduate in each match they play, 82 years ago on October 30, 1937. Red Devils' Wednesday's night clash with Chelsea marked the 82nd anniversary of their long-running tradition of naming an academy player in their squad. Manchester United have featured in 3991 games since then and have made sure to include one of their own in every game. With this act, United shows how much importance they give to encourage homegrown players and to the club's tradition.
More about the news
George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton, who are considered to be the best of all time, have also been a product of Manchester United's youth academy. The famous class of 92, which changed the era of Manchester United's football, are one of the most glorified products from the Red Devils' academy. Legends like Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Paul Scholes and David Beckham were all part of the 92' batch. This team of big names nourished under Sir Alex Ferguson and went on to dominate English football for more than two decades.
Football pundit Alan Hansen coined the term 'you'll never win anything with kids' when Sir Alex started this quest. Ryan Giggs made the highest number of appearances for Manchester United and even lead the side as an interim manager. Manchester United's new boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also looks motivated to lift homegrown players. Mason Greenwood, Brandon Williams, James Garner, Tahith Chong, Angel Gomes and Axel Tuanzebe are some of the emerging young players under Ole. Jesse Lingard, Scott McTominay and Marcus Rashford are some of the other influential academy graduates in their current squad.
Updated 15:47 IST, October 31st 2019