Football: Manchester United's academy old boys
It is a truth universally acknowledged in football that, yes, sometimes, you do win things with kids. But only very rarely. Manchester United’s academy has been churning out footballers for the last 17 years since they signed that famous generation of David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and Nicky Butt (Ryan Giggs had already arrived, Phil Neville would come later) to apprenticeship forms in 1991.
Had they been born 17 years later, they would be academy scholars, no longer obliged to do the all those traditional menial tasks of yesteryear: wash boots, swill down showers, sweep terraces, fetch water from well, round up cattle. Since those glory days of the early 1990s, Wes Brown, John O’Shea, Darren Fletcher and, more recently, Gerard Pique have come out the academy. But more than any other club, it seems United have produced an astonishing amount of players who have gone on to have decent careers elsewhere.
Researching a piece on academies for the paper, I tried to list, as a starting point, every former United trainee/scholar still playing football at a professional level. Then I discovered it was more rewarding to list those playing at any level. I’ve exhausted the old programmes and yearbooks; the double-checking online and the phonecalls to people who know the club better. Below, in no particular order, is my best effort.
Can anyone add to this list? They must have been trainees but not necessarily have played for the first team. But they must still be playing football. Reply in the usual way down below.
David Beckham – LA Galaxy
Phil Neville - Everton
Kieran Richardson - Sunderland
Nicky Butt - Newcastle
Terry Cooke – Colorado Rapids
Keith Gillespie – Sheffield Utd
Robbie Savage – Derby County
David Healy – Fulham
Danny Higginbotham - Sunderland
Luke Chadwick – Norwich City
Ronnie Wallwork – Sheffield Wednesday
Bojan Djordjic – Brommapojkarna (Sweden)
Ben Collett – AGOVV Apeldoorn (Netherlands)
Michael Stewart – Hearts
Jonathan Greening – West Brom
Alan Tate – Swansea
Paul Tierney – Blackpool
Jonathan Spector – West Ham
David Jones – Derby County
Sylvan Ebanks-Blake – Wolves
Paul McShane – Sunderland
Phil Bardsley – Sunderland
Luke Steele – West Brom
Kieran Lee – QPR
Phil Marsh – Blackpool
Jami Puustinen – FC Honka (Finland)
Danny Rose – Oxford Utd
Ryan Shawcross – Stoke City
Daniel Nardiello – Barnsley
Adam Eckersley – Port Vale
Kirk Hilton – Royal Antwerp
David Fox – Blackpool
Colin Heath – Farsley Celtic
Mark Howard – Brondby
Eddie Johnson – Bradford
Mark Lynch – Yeovil Town
Kalam Mooniaruck – Cambridge City
Ben Muirhead – Rochdale
Danny Pugh – Stoke City
John Rankin – Hibernian
Lee Roche – Droylsden
Aaron Burns – FC United
David Poole – Stockport County
Kris Taylor – Hereford United
Mads Timm – Odense (Denmark)
Danny Webber – Sheffield Utd
Ben Williams – Crewe
Matthew Williams – Tamworth
Neil Wood - FK Željeznic(ar (Bosnia)
Kenny Cooper - FC Dallas (USA)
Adnan Ahmed - Tranmere
Guiseppe Rossi – Villarreal (Spain)
Jamie Mullan - Northwich Victoria
Tommy Lee - Macclesfield
Markus Neumayr – Duisburg (Germany)
Mark Wilson – Doncaster Rovers
Erik Nevland – Fulham
Richard Wellens – Doncaster Rovers
Phil Mulryne – Kings Lynn
Kevin Pilkington – Notts County
Michael Twiss – Morecambe
Paul Rachubka - Blackpool
Picture: Getty Images
Dessie Baker-Longford Town (Ireland)
Posted by: Ronan Hoare | 18 March 2008 at 01:35 PM
Correction-Dessie Baker now plays for Shamrock Rovers
Posted by: Ronan Hoare | 18 March 2008 at 01:37 PM
I think these would all count.
Jamie Wood, who plays in the Welsh Premier League for the New
Ben Thornley, Wilmslow Albion.
Jovan Kirovski, Colorado Rapids.
Jon Macken, Barnsley
Alex Notman, Wroxham
Posted by: Rob Wightman | 18 March 2008 at 02:46 PM
Grant Brebner (94 - 98) - Melbourne Victory (Australia)
Posted by: Brian | 18 March 2008 at 10:29 PM
Michael Tonge - Sheffield United, was getting rave reviews a couple of seasons back. The vermin were rumoured to be interested at one stage. How far would he have fallen if he went there !
Posted by: Empty Blue Seats | 19 March 2008 at 08:14 AM
Astonishing NUMBER of players
Posted by: John Christopher | 19 March 2008 at 10:22 AM
Daniel (Danny) Rose, plays for Oxford Utd!
Posted by: Paul Coogan - Belfast | 19 March 2008 at 04:45 PM
Just realised Danny is on the list!
Posted by: Paul Coogan | 19 March 2008 at 04:46 PM
Danny Guthrie, Bolton Wanderer. Playing against United tonight.
Posted by: Ashley Grimes | 19 March 2008 at 08:26 PM
Andy Duncan is at Chelmsford City
Posted by: Pat | 20 March 2008 at 12:02 AM
Michael Clegg has retired ,right?and where is George Clegg?
Posted by: ohyeah | 20 March 2008 at 05:31 AM
Danny Guthrie is a Liverpool player currently on loan at Bolton Wanderers.
Posted by: David | 20 March 2008 at 05:49 AM
i'm pretty sure leigh bromby at watford came through at united too
Posted by: Andy | 20 March 2008 at 11:03 AM
Shaun Goater, Bermuda Hogges
Darren Ferguson, Peterborough United (player/manager)
Mike Pollitt, Wigan Athletic
Colin Murdock, Shrewsbury Town
Ashley Westwood, Stevenage Borough
Paul Gibson, Witton Albion
Neil Mustoe, Gloucester City
Robert Trees, FC United
Ryan Ford, Retford United
David Brown, Accrington Stanley
Stuart Brightwell, Carolina Railhawks
John Thorrington, Chicago Fire
Ian Fitzpatrick, Radcliffe Borough
Joshua Howard, FC United
Marek Szmid, John Moores University
Michael Rose, Stockport County
Gary Sampson, FC United
Andrew Taylor, Exeter City
Marc Whiteman, Croydon
Daniel Byrne, Mossley
Jemal Johnson, Milton Keynes Dons
Steven Hogg, Gretna
Ross Greenwood, York City
Phil Picken, Chesterfield
Graeme Port, Glenrothes Junior FC
Younger players:
Floribert N’Galula, Randers FC
Kyle Moran, Larne FC
Kieran Tracey, Preston North End
Lee Crockett, Boston United
Luke Daniels, West Bromwich Albion
Ashley Parillon, Chorley
Mitchell Booth, Rhyl FC
Chris Backhouse, Farsley Celtic
Kyle Wallwork, Manchester City
Matthew Kendrick, Cambridge United
Michael Nardiello, West Bromwich Albion
Adrian Bellamy, Bradford City
Rhys Taylor, Chelsea
Jacob Butterfield, Barnsley
Seb Beckett, Kendal Town
Daniel Rowe, Lewes ?
Clint Burton, Warrington Town
Mitchell Bryant, FC Reading
Someone knows where David Williams is playing?
I don’t think Erik Nevland and Jonathan Greening have ever played for the academy.
Ben Collett has retired in 2007, hasn’t he?
Corrections and additions are much appreciated.
Posted by: Binggi | 20 March 2008 at 11:33 AM
correction: Bojan Djordjic is now with AIK (Solna/Stockholm) (Sweden) and not with Brommapojkarna.
Posted by: fritzon | 20 March 2008 at 12:32 PM
Fraizer Campbell - on loan at Hull City
Still on United's books...so it depends if you classify them as former United or former scholars/trainees
Signed for the Manchester United Academy on 1 July 2004, signed his first professional contract with the club on 22 March 2006
Posted by: shootermcgavin | 20 March 2008 at 01:35 PM
Dion Dublin - Norwich
Posted by: martin cm | 21 March 2008 at 12:05 PM
Dion Dublin was signed from Cambridge for a million in the early 90's, not a product of our youth system.
Posted by: Markus | 21 March 2008 at 11:54 PM
Leigh Bromby was a Sheffield Wednesday youth product.
Posted by: Vernon | 22 March 2008 at 11:01 AM
Danny Guthrie was released by United as a 15 year old.
And Michael Barnes has now joined Shrewsbury. On loan, but with a full move likely.
Posted by: Ashley Grimes | 27 March 2008 at 02:17 PM
Am Razak,Life in Ghana,14years old boy,am footballer,i have play young olyps from one to three years,i then play mentwis acdamy one to two year,am tellented and skilful player,all my life is about football,and i know for sure that it is my proffetion,I have read about your acdamy and i guess it is the best place for any young and tellented player to fine his future there,I would like to be in yours acdamy if only i the chance,I would do all my best to help improve the acdamy,and i will follow the rules and the regrations,i will be humbly and do what ever am ask to do.hope i can read from u soon.I will be greatful if am expected.
Thank u
Razak.....
Posted by: Razak | 12 April 2008 at 02:28 PM
Hi Razak. I've already heard great things about you from my scouts in West Africa. I think you would be a great addition to our academy, and maybe first team next year. Firstly , there is the small matter of formality whereby we will invite you for a 2 week trial. If your trial is successful we will offer you a 5000 pound a week contract, with a 200,000 pound signing on fee and a grand four bedroom house. Is that ok?
Regards,
Sir Alex Ferguson
Posted by: Sir Alex Ferguson | 16 April 2008 at 02:26 PM
I am Andrew Kosia, I am currently in Asmara, Eritrea am 14 years old and i play for my school team as well as some other semi pro teams in Eritrea i will be grateful if i can have the chance to come for trails or to have the oportunity to show may abilities. I will be grateful if my email could be hounored and also if the reply can be sent through benpow@hotmail.com.
Sincerely yours
Andrew Kosia
Posted by: Andrew Kosia | 16 April 2008 at 09:58 PM
greg wilkinson...stalybridge celtic
Posted by: jay walton | 16 April 2008 at 10:44 PM
I am ola ,a fan of the red devil, i love my team with a passion ,and i want to find out how my son can join the acedemy, because his dad has always say he his dedicating is son to Sir Alex Ferguson.
I will appreciate it if you could send me the details of joining the academy to my email address below
callfunmiogundare@yahoo.com
Posted by: ola | 21 April 2008 at 12:10 AM
i would like to join the academy im 13 and my friend he is 15 and we would like to join and we would want you to send us details for it this is my friends email adress. billy_gangsta@hotmail.co.uk plaease send deatails to this adress. thank you
Posted by: bilal ahmed | 23 April 2008 at 10:45 AM
i would like to join the academy im 13 and my friend he is 15 and we would like to join and we would want you to send us details for it this is my friends email adress. billy_gangsta@hotmail.co.uk plaease send deatails to this adress. thank you
Posted by: bilal ahmed | 23 April 2008 at 10:45 AM
I'm Babatunde,15yrs old leaving in Nigeria.I love playing football,i play for my school department,i have the talent and i will like to join your academy.Though i'm Man utd passionate fan and i have been dreaming to contribute my little experience and do what will improve the academy if i will be giving a trial.I'm sure that my trial will convince you.I promise to be loyal to obey the rules and regulation.Hope to read from u soon.I will glad if you send the reply it through my email or address
Posted by: BELLO BABATUNDE | 26 April 2008 at 11:13 PM
I'm Babatunde,15yrs old leaving in Nigeria.I love playing football,i play for my school department,i have the talent and i will like to join your academy.Though i'm Man utd passionate fan and i have been dreaming to contribute my little experience and do what will improve the academy if i will be giving a trial.I'm sure that my trial will convince you.I promise to be loyal to obey the rules and regulation.Hope to read from u soon.I will glad if you send the reply it through my email or address
Posted by: BELLO BABATUNDE | 26 April 2008 at 11:21 PM
Hi I'm Balaji 15 yrs old i live in Chennai,India.I wold love to join the academy. I have played for my school team and for a football academy in my city called YMCA.I will love playing for my team MANCHESTER UNITED.Will be waiting for your reply
Posted by: BALAJI | 27 April 2008 at 02:45 PM
Im Balaji i posted the above comment.i forgot to post my email id so im writing this one
my email id:rooney8_manutd2006@yahoo.com
Posted by: BALAJI | 27 April 2008 at 02:48 PM
my name is Rodrigo mazino but i preferred being called zino i am a 14 yr old lad from Nigeria and i have great potential in me waiting to be developed i am a passionate man united fan and would be very glad to be given the chance to be groomed in the united way, right now my life is all about football am very talented and willing to learn.it will be a dream come through to be given a trial in man utd soccer academy. thank you.in case of any news my contact mail is koolzed10@yahoo.com
Posted by: rodrigo mazino | 30 April 2008 at 11:14 AM
: i mr sokunbi akeem from nigeria, i will like to send my son to your college to complet his careir through your organisation, becourse is playing football very well, what are the reqirement and condition of tution fee, thanks
from sokunbi akeem
Posted by: mr sokunbi akeem | 30 April 2008 at 11:18 AM
my name is ali ahmed but i preferred being called i am a 14 yr old lad from somali and i have great potential in me waiting to be developed i am a passionate man united fan and would be very glad to be given the chance to be groomed in the united way, right now my life is all about football am very talented and willing to learn.it will be a dream come through to be given a trial in man utd soccer academy. thank you.in case of any news my contact email is ba-ashe06@hotmail.co.uk pleas contact me
Posted by: ali ahmed | 30 April 2008 at 12:11 PM
Hi im Aviwe Nocanda im 11 years old I live in South Africe gauteng and i would like to join manunited im an amazing soccer player so please give me a shot im desperet manunited is the main team so please give me a shot i promise that you will be amazed
Posted by: Aviwe Nocanda | 04 May 2008 at 04:48 PM
i am living in manchester and i am a really good footballer and am 12.I really like manchester united at to get on the team would be amazing
Posted by: yousef | 04 May 2008 at 11:29 PM
I am 13 years old. I want to go to the academy when i get out of high school.
Posted by: jose | 06 May 2008 at 04:30 AM
I am 13 years old. I want to go to the academy when i get out of high school. I live in california, san juan capistrano. I started playing soccer when i was 4 years old.
Posted by: jose | 06 May 2008 at 04:33 AM
I'd like to join the famous Manchester United. I am 51 years old and live in Bristol. Am I too late?
Posted by: Chris | 07 May 2008 at 01:12 PM
am chris a 16 yr old boy currently with schwepps fc in the ghanaian division two league.i would be very glad if given the chance for a trial session with the academy it would be a dream come true.
Posted by: chris borety | 08 May 2008 at 11:13 AM
Dear Sir...
My Name is Lawal Yusuf.Am 15 Years Old, The Name of my Club is Golden Star FC,And Am a Left Back Defender,Am a Great player and i would like too Improve my sense of playing and Become something in Life,I have play for so many Clubs In Nigeria and i Have been on So Many Tournament in My Country as well..So i Hope i shall Seek for your Help and Am Ready too make you Happy and Give you what you want in me,Cos Am a good Defender,My Wing is 3 My Hight is 6'0 and Am a Black Nice Looking and am ready too serve my self as a good Player for you..Am seeking for your Help your Sponsorship.Please If you need Any Information About me and About My Club Here is my Phone Number 2348027459916 and my Personal Email Address is singleguy_la@yahoo.com...i will Really Appreciate it if you can Get back too me and Help me...May the Loard Help you and Your Family Amen....ad my Home Address is No 4 Abbi Street Mende maryland Ikeja Lagos Nigeria 23401
Thanks You
Yours Lawal
Posted by: Lawal | 10 May 2008 at 07:26 PM
WE HAVE A TRIAL DAY ON 24/05/08 AT MANCHESTER UNTIED ANY ONE WILLING TO SHOWS THEIR TALENT BE THEIR
Posted by: Sir alex fergueson | 11 May 2008 at 09:07 PM
WE HAVE A TRIAL DAY ON 24/05/08 AT MANCHESTER UNTIED ANY ONE WILLING TO SHOWS THEIR TALENT BE THEIR
Posted by: Sir alex fergueson | 11 May 2008 at 09:07 PM
I'm Ndubuisi Promise,15yrs old leaving in Nigeria.I love playing football,i play for my school department,i have the talent and i will like to join your academy.Though i'm Man utd passionate fan and i have been dreaming to contribute my little experience and do what will improve the academy if i will be giving a trial.I'm sure that my trial will convince you.I promise to be loyal to obey the rules and regulation.Hope to read from u soon.I will glad if you send the reply it through my email or address: xtomas22@yahoo.com
Thanks
Posted by: Ndubuisi Okeoma Promise | 12 May 2008 at 04:20 PM
dear sir ,
i am a ghanian boy of 15 years of age and i am a very good footballer .i have played about two teams somotex f.c and there i had a contract to play gso f.c . my father is dead and my mother is not having any good work doing so i cant even get someone to even provide me with sports materais and i dont want to stop playing soccer becouse i belive that is whot god gave to as my tailent , please i need your help and want u to help me so that i can cam and play some trias in your team and if you find out that my peformance is good and register me fine i will offer my self to the team ples if you can only give me an invite i will be glad very , very much.
ples i will like to here the good news you have for me very soon .
i hope my permission will be granted.
please this my information my address and name and any information.
Enoch Ofosu Asamoah, p.o.box 870, koforidua e/r . ghana w/a.
your new boy ,
enoch.
Posted by: enoch ofosu asamoah | 14 May 2008 at 06:32 PM
i am a Ghanian boy of 18 years of age and i am a very good footballer .i have played about two teams somotex f.c and there i had a contract to play gso f.c . my father and my mother are not having any good work doing so i cant even get someone to even provide me with sports materais and i dont want to stop playing soccer becouse i belive that is whot god gave to as my tailent , please i need your help and want u to help me so that i can came and play some trias in your team and if you find out that my peformance is good and register me fine i will offer my self to the team ples if you can only give me an invite i will be glad very , very much.
ples i will like to here the good news you have for me very soon .
i hope my permission will be granted.
please this my information my address and name and any information.
abdul malik razak, p.o.box 13, Nima-accra . ghana w/a.
your new boy ,
abdul mlaik.
Posted by: abdul malik razak | 15 May 2008 at 08:47 PM
i am a Ghanian boy of 18 years of age and i am a very good footballer .i have played about two teams somotex f.c and there i had a contract to play gso f.c . my father and my mother are not having any good work doing so i cant even get someone to even provide me with sports materais and i dont want to stop playing soccer becouse i belive that is whot god gave to as my tailent , please i need your help and want u to help me so that i can came and play some trias in your team and if you find out that my peformance is good and register me fine i will offer my self to the team ples if you can only give me an invite i will be glad very , very much.
ples i will like to here the good news you have for me very soon .
i hope my permission will be granted.
please this my information my address and name and any information.
abdul malik razak, p.o.box 13, Nima-accra . ghana w/a.
your new boy ,
abdul mlaik.
Posted by: abdul malik razak | 15 May 2008 at 08:49 PM
Hi i would like to join the manchester united academy and want to no how to go about it......
Posted by: ALBERT J.S BONGAY | 17 May 2008 at 12:18 PM
i am a nigerian boy of 15 years of age and i am a very good footballer .i have played about five team club (adebayo)and sun star team, i have sports materais and i dont want to stop playing football becouse i belive that is whot god give me as my tailent , please i need your help and want u to help me so that i can came and play some trias in your team and if you find out that my peformance is good and register me fine i will offer my self to the team ples if you can only give me an invite i be will be very gland.
ples i will like to here the good news from you
i hope my permission will be granted.
please this my information my address and name and any information.
TOSIN DAIRO ,NO 32 INNADI STREET OFF LIASU ROAD EGBE LAGOS NIGERIA
CODE 23401.
YOUR FAITHFULLY,
TOSIN DAIRO
Posted by: tosin | 17 May 2008 at 05:45 PM
Sir,
I am masud from bangladesh. I want to play in your club. Really believe me I am a best player. Many people say that my play like as ‘ZIDANE’. Many premier division football club very interested to me, but I don’t response them, because I want to play in a foreign club. I need a right opportunity to be the best football player as like the famous football players of the world. I am sure that If I get this opportunity then I can make myself as a famous player but there is no facility in our country for a football player. Our country is too small that it is not famous for the football players. There is no communication the football club of the foreign country. Don’t worry about me that I am not a best football player. I need just a right opportunity for that I can bring more reword for your club and improve in my life. So I will hope that you will give the right opportunity and oblige there by. I can send my cv(resume) and international passport photograph.
contact number +8801712278660
e-mail masudtt@yahoo.com
best regards
masud
Posted by: masud | 19 May 2008 at 06:10 PM