10 Jan 2026 09:45:09
Darren Fletcher: “I just think historically, this club is BUILT around the academy. Our record speaks for itself. ”
Where was the academy to replace the great 68 side. I watched for years whilst hearing the academy would produce. Sporadically a player appeared a McIllroy a Whiteside, but really this magical academy did little until SAF got in and changed the ethos. Since the CO92 we have had scraps. Lacey and JJ could be interesting but long way to go.
Now, that sounded like a we are not buying anyone this window, I have been told to say this so people don’t ask questions. The Ole news has helped the ownership because the fans are asking less on who we are buying. Now Fletcher flags the academy, no need to buy.
Well here is a question Darren, if our academy is so good why did you send both your kids to the Manchester City academy for 9 years, with United having to buy them back about two years ago?
Now we don’t have Amorim to change the ethos, we have Fletcher who will step back into what will be an influential role of some sort, who didn’t trust our academy.
10 Jan 2026 10:22:22
Because City’s academy is/was better right now, so he did what any dad would do and wanted the best for his children I guess.
10 Jan 2026 10:50:04
So was the change all about the money for the fletchers then eric do you think?
I mean if city is the place to be and as a parent he wanted what was best as you say, why move them to united?
10 Jan 2026 11:51:05
Which Academy has more players playing professionally than any other. Hmm, United, that's whose.
I think we develop great players, the issue has been transitioning them into the first team, that's where the issue lies, so many have gone on to have good careers elsewhere, and then we have transitioned some. we then ship them out.
If we are serious about the Academy then it needs investment and a clear defined pathway to get players into the first team.
10 Jan 2026 12:42:09
And that’s the point. City are currently better at developing good youth players, but fewer of them make the first team unless they are worldies like Foden as they are simply operating at a level above us right now.
Maybe Fletcher let City develop his boys, but realised they might actually get a chance to play more at Utd? Maybe it was financially motivated? Maybe the club put pressure on Darren and let him know it’s not a strong PR look to not have them in the club rather than at City?
It’s a moot point - we’ll never know.
10 Jan 2026 12:45:41
I think the other issue AJH is that we when we do transition the youth to the first team, we are them too quick quick to turn on them when times get tough.
Rashford being a great example example, those looking to get Mainoo out etc. Welbeck was much maligned for years as it being good enough, but he’s a class team player with an amazing attitude and the type of character we desperately need right now.
McTominay got pelters for years, now we’d take him back in a heartbeat. The list goes on.
10 Jan 2026 13:06:20
I agree Eric, although I think Rashford was shown an awful lot of patience. I also think playing for United is tough, players say they didn't realise just how big the club is until they get here.
10 Jan 2026 14:11:34
I don’t think using Rashford is a good example. Sense of entitlement comes to mind, his attitude stank. We needed to solve the attitude, will we do that, I am not sure now.
10 Jan 2026 18:59:45
Some of the greatest mistakes we made were letting players leave or forcing them out when we opted for a shiny toy.
Mctominay and Evans spring to mind, there will be more of course I'm just not as invested in this anymore. Rashford for me I would take back if he agrees to drop his phone and knuckle down and be the player he knows he can be, if he can't goodbye. Same goes for Mainoo, I have been one of his biggest advocates until this whole contract debacle and insta influence etc, drop all that he has the world at his feet, don't drop it and off you go lad.
I guarantee under Amorim all new players contracts had clauses in them about posting crap online, it is the only way to stamp that crap out and remove the damage one post can do to a team and played. I hope this is something the club sticks with.
10 Jan 2026 21:43:59
Rashford would try until he got a contract then sit back. Must not be allowed back.