You all know as well as I do that youth development is the lifeblood of our club. Young players have seen us tackle our darkest moments and have been at the heart of our greatest victories.
Youth development very quickly became more than just a business plan after it was first introduced here in the 1930s, and over the last nine decades, it has certainly transformed into something else – a way of life, you could say.
As Director of Academy, I’m aware that, of all things at Manchester United, it is our youth programme which connects us directly to our rich history, and that you expect to see young players coming through into the men’s first team.