Manchester United’s aspiration to develop young academy prospects into first-team regulars remains the club’s proudest tradition.
The key component in the ethos of United’s youth development is nurturing talent by providing a platform in the first-team for young players to showcase their potential.
United’s youth academy starlets have enjoyed yet another season of success with 18-year-old Mason Greenwood seamlessly making the transition from hot prospect to becoming one of Europe’s most prolific young strikers after scoring an impressive 18 senior goals in all competitions.
Brandon Williams has also enjoyed a stellar breakthrough campaign, making 35 appearances in all competitions.
In an exclusive interview with Stretty News, United’s Head of youth academy Nick Cox spoke passionately about the foundations for developing young talent and how important it is to ensure talent is not wasted.
When asked if it breeds confidence at youth level knowing the club’s first-team staff will invest a lot of faith in it’s youngsters, Cox said: “Absolutely. Opportunity is probably one of the top ingredients when trying to develop young people.
“Opportunity comes in many forms, […] but one of the most important opportunities is the opportunity to play in the first-team and we have that at this football club.
“It’s always been the way, it always will be the way and it’s what sets talent on fire.
“If there’s talent but no opportunity the talent tends to diminish. If there’s talent and opportunity, well that results in success.”
Read more: Exclusive: Man United offer unique insight into how club integrate youth into first-team
