Daijiworld Media Network - Manchester
Manchester, Aug 2: As Manchester United prepare to open their 2025–26 Premier League campaign against Arsenal at Old Trafford on August 17, the club stands on the brink of possibly ending an extraordinary 88-year record.
Since October 1937, the Red Devils have named at least one homegrown academy player in every first-team matchday squad—an unbroken run stretching across 4,321 games, 44 major titles, 18 league crowns, and three European Cups. But that legacy could be in jeopardy this season.
The concern stems from potential transfers involving academy products Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo. Garnacho is reportedly considering a move to Chelsea, while Mainoo's future remains uncertain amid talks of injury concerns or suspension risks. If both are unavailable, United may break a tradition that has defined the club’s identity for nearly nine decades.
During Sir Alex Ferguson’s era from 1986 to 2013, the academy's influence peaked, producing stars like Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and David Beckham. However, recent years have seen a decline. The 2024–25 season saw an average of just 4.51 academy players per squad, down from 6.65 the previous year—and could fall further.
United will be hoping for the emergence of fresh academy talent to keep the flame alive. The club is currently in pre-season form, having defeated Bournemouth 4-1 in a friendly, but last season's performance was underwhelming. They finished 15th in the Premier League, were Europa League runners-up to Tottenham Hotspur, and exited the FA Cup in the fifth round.
As a new era approaches, all eyes are on whether Manchester United can preserve its proud academy legacy that has stood the test of time.