MANCHESTER UNITED could be in danger of bringing a near 88-year record to an end this season.
The Red Devils have always been proud of their youth development at Carrington and have a record stretching back to before World War 2 that proves it.
Since October 1937, United have named at least one player who has come through their academy in every first team squad.
That’s an unbelievable run of 4,321 GAMES.
It’s a point of pride for many at the club, and a tradition that has proved fruitful in years gone by with 18 of United’s 20 league titles coming in that time and three European Cups.
However, with things taking a turn at Old Trafford after a dismal season last term, Ruben Amorim could be at risk of being the first manager to veer away from the record.
United’s academy graduates are dropping like flies, with Marcus Rashford leaving for Barcelona, Jonny Evans calling time on his career and Alejandro Garnacho seemingly surplus to requirements.
Meanwhile last summer saw Mason Greenwood, Scott McTominay, Willy Kambwala, Hannibal Mejbri and Omari Forson all part ways with the club.
Of course, the shining light of the academy, Kobbie Mainoo, remains in place and is expected to play a big role for United this season.
However, should Mainoo pick up an injury or a suspension – having misses 17 matches last season – then Amorim may find himself struggling to keep up the tradition.
Tom Heaton could provide a backdoor route to keeping the run going, having started his career with United before returning in 2021.
However, naming a 39-year-old third choice goalkeeper who spent most of his career away from United in every squad may not exactly be in the spirit of the tradition.
United fans will be hoping that the emergence of youngsters like Harry Amass, Tyler Fredricson, Toby Collyer and Ethan Wheatley will instead keep things alive.
Off the back of last season, Ruben Amorim will know that his priorities are getting results and bouncing back from what was one of the worst campaigns in the club’s modern history.
Relying on unproven youth prospects won’t be on top of his list.
United have been used to setting new record rather than bringing old ones to an end in recent times.
Last season saw them set plenty of unwanted records after struggling domestically.
They cemented a worst league campaign since the 1973-74 season – a season in which they were relegated from the top flight.
While they also equalled their record for home losses in a season, losing NINE TIMES at Old Trafford.
And they also registered their worst ever Premier League points tally, at just 42 points – some 16 points less than their previous worst from the 2021/22 season.
Read the full article here