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
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 ‘ZINEDINE 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 06:12 PM
Hi
I have a 10 year old son who is really a skilled soccer player and really wants to join the Manchester United Academy. Is there one is South Africa?
Your soonest revert is appreciated.
Kind Regards
Stephanie
Posted by: Stephanie Appana | 20 May 2008 at 01:44 PM
I really love your Academy and so much interested in it,more especially that i'm a soccer player with talent and skill. I have longed to see myself abroard playing for one the big teams in the world. I am looking forward to your response and hope it would be a positive response that will make me happy and thank you a lot
Posted by: Davidson Onkabetse | 20 May 2008 at 03:45 PM
Quero saber dos goools de cristiano Ronaldo
Posted by: Oswaldo | 21 May 2008 at 07:46 PM
i want to jion manchester united because i belief i have the skill and techniqe to play football and which i will show to the world and machester united and do them proud up man u am experting a positive responce thank you. k.david
Posted by: Oluwatusin korede david | 21 May 2008 at 10:43 PM
hello my name is shane easton i have just gone 15 on the 22/05/2008 i would love to come and player football with the other players in manchester united's academy
my regards shane
please could you send me details how to join the academy on
easton_bunny@hotmail.com
Posted by: shane | 22 May 2008 at 12:58 AM
My name is Brandon Lauton and I would love to join the Manchester Academy of Soccer. I am 8 years old and I play for for an Under 11 team in Melbourne , Australia.
Could you please send me some information on how to join the Academy.
Thanks
Brandon
Posted by: Brandon Lauton | 22 May 2008 at 03:26 AM
why do all these people think they can get onto the academy by posting a message on this site ?
Posted by: Sam | 26 May 2008 at 08:34 PM
my name is Samuel and i am 15 years old,i come from Ghana,and my profession is playing football,i play for under 15 in my country,the name of the team is Hamburg fc(Moyart).
They don't have a good materials for football,but i don't want to waist my talent,so please i will be happy if you invite me to come for trials.
I hope to hear from you.
bye bye
samuel
Posted by: kassim samuel | 26 May 2008 at 09:09 PM
Dear Sir,
I wish to apply, register and participate in the Mancheaster United football acadamy.
I am a 15 years old boy who desire and inspire to play the game of football.I am a Ghanaian who lives in Accra the capital town of Ghana ,West Africa.
I started playing football in my infant age at seven. I succeded in learning skills and tactics in the game of football easily when i developed the ability to train more and more. I love training because it keeps me strong, smart,fit and healthy am about 8 feet tall.
I engage football activities even at school, since 2003, i have played about four club teams. Normally i can play almost all positions except defence, but orignally i play both right and left wing forward.
I hope you will grant me the desire i wish of mine to express my talents and ability.Thanks
Yours faithfully,
SHERIF ABDULRAHMAN my email is:tankoona2003@yahoo.ca
Posted by: sherif tanko | 28 May 2008 at 01:26 PM
You stole Kieran Richardson from West Ham United's academy you idiot. He's not yours.
Posted by: gfhgfgffgfgg | 29 May 2008 at 01:57 AM
Hi,
My name is Samuel Bassey Ima, I am a Nigerian of Cross River State origin. I'm a professional goal keeper who has plyed for macito FC, Akwa Wave FC of Akwa Ibom State, But currently I play for Idumeze FC of Ebor in Cross River State, where I have won best goal kiper of the year for three consecutive times. I would be very glad if you can afford me an opportunity to showcase my tarlent to the best of my ability. I wait patiently to hearing from you soon.
best regards
Posted by: Samuel Bassey | 04 June 2008 at 10:40 AM
Hi, i am Oliver, i loveplaying football and i am one of the few people around who loves keeping so i would love to get into a football team and play proffesionally in my favoured position Goalkeepers rock!
Posted by: Oliver | 08 June 2008 at 11:44 AM
i am ninan thomas 10yr 2months old, live in nottingham, at present i am playing in vernon league -1, already selected in nottingham forest academy (shadow team), also playing in school team, i am great fan of man united, i am very talented and skillfull player, i got dedication for football,i read aout your academy, if only one chance, i would do all my best to improve the academy. i am very greatful if you give me a oppertunity to show my abilities. i will be greatful if my email could be honoured.
thank you,
yours sincerely,
ninan thomas
Posted by: ninan thomas | 08 June 2008 at 09:20 PM
hello...my name is mohamed iam 15 years old , i am frim kuwait , i like to join manutd academy i will pay for it i want to join it for 2 months i want to know the price please , and this is my e-mail adress : m4a_93@hotmail.com
can you please send for me the pricwe and the deatails .
thank you very mach .
Posted by: mohammed abaalkhail | 14 June 2008 at 05:24 PM
His(Her) agent wants to make us sign has l inter of Milan or have roma he discuss with the Roman real A 14 and a half YEARS AND A VERY FAST AND TECHNICAL PLAYER HIS CLUB MADE US SIGN PAPER WHICH ONE NO VALUE Has L URGENT FOREIGNER LEAVE HE THREE DAYS D TRY(ESSAY) IT IS GOING TO MAKE YOU VERY STRONG IMPRESSION(PRINTING) HE(IT) THE ENGLISH MENTALITY HE SPEAKS TO ME ABOUT ALL D MONEY(SILVER) I I WANT A CLUB OR HE WANTS GO MY SUCH 06-88-52-59-73 ARSENAL SEEKS HER(IT) (urgent my desicion mail (tlc34@hotmail.fr)thank you
Posted by: l haridon romain (francais) | 15 June 2008 at 04:12 PM
Hi i have a son aged 7 years old and really wants to join the acadamy he is fantastic at football and the skills he does are extremly taleted and is a quick learner and allways wants to play for man u. can you plaese forward and information that i might nead to apply, many thanks .
My son is called Jordan Paul Stenning 21/09/2000 and he has played for moston juniors 2004/05
manchester city acadamy 2006/07
also bolton wanderers acadamy 2006/07
also signed up to beechfield utd 2007/08
now currently at bury ameuters 2008/09
jordan loves football very much thank you for taking the time to read this and look forward to hearing from you very soon.
Posted by: paul stenning | 25 June 2008 at 11:16 AM
Anyone know why Clegg retired at 27?
Posted by: Beeeeens | 01 July 2008 at 11:48 PM
i want to join seriously pls help me to develop my talent
Posted by: derrick sarfo | 02 July 2008 at 10:03 PM
i am yousef i am 14 years old my dreams is to be a football player i start playing football when i had 3 years old and i which to play in manutd and be like cristiano ronaldo ,ronaldino,beckham,lampard,mohammad zidan,abutrika or amr zaki
Posted by: yousef | 03 July 2008 at 11:34 PM
Hello Sir,
My name is Jamshaid. I am from Pakistan. I wish to join your academy.i will work hard to improveyour academy. My talent is described below in my introduction. Please read till the last and I am sure you will be impress with me. Thank you for reading .
NAME: JAMSHAID OMER
FATHER NAME: SYED ABDUL KHALIQ
EMAIL: JAMSHAIDOMER@HOTMAIL.COM
TELL: +92214822808
MOB: +923322535006
ADDRESS: B-175 BLOCK 18 GULSHAN-E- IQBAL KARACHI, PAKISTAN
COUNTRY: PAKISTAN
RELIGION: ISLAM
DATE OF BIRTH: 1st NOVEMBER, 1991
AGE: 16 YEARS
EDUCATION: GIVE MATRIC EXAMS AND WAITING FOR RESULTS
INSTITUTION: FAZAIA DEGREE COLLEGE FAISAL
POSITION: RCM (RIGHT CENTRAL MIDFIELDER)
CLUB: KCFA (KARACHI CITY FOOTBALL ACADEMY)
REPUTATION: CAPTAIN AND BEST PLAYER OF KCFA
HEALTH
Excellent; no limiting injuries or conditions
Height: [:6FEET]; weight: [67 KG]
SKILLS, TRAINING, AND PLAYING CHARACTERISTICS
Exposed to and trained in all positions of competitive play; currently specializing in Midfield responsibilities, (i.e. holding and attacking midfielder) requiring delaying, channelization, great passer of the ball. Very intelligent midfielder with great first touch, accurate through balls, hard and fast shoot, great dribbling and dodging. Master minded in defending responsibilities, very fast runner, tackling, counter attacking, heading, slide tackling, shielding.
Skilled with both right and left feet. High intensity, high concentration. Excellent timing and anticipation, positioning, reading the game. Knowledgeable in rules of the game, team and individual strategy. High pain threshold. Very strong leadership skills on and off the field. Take-charge mentality.
SOCCER CAMPS ATTENDED
I have attended PFF (Pakistan football federation) youth camp which is the biggest and greatest soccer camp ever in the history of Pakistan. All the great coaches and players including Sir NASIR (Head coach of Pakistan) and all national team players including Essah (Captain of Pakistan) etc were there training us. They take my skill test and after that they consider me to be the most skilful player in that camp. They fully recognize me and appreciate my talent.
ACHIEVEMENTS:
I have more than seven certificates and trophies which is prove of my achievements. I am known as one of the most youngest talented player in the city. While studying in school I have already represented my College team twice at the age of 15 and 16 as captain and we were runner up in 2005 whereas we won the trophy.
Posted by: jamshaid omer | 04 July 2008 at 07:55 PM
sorry sir i forgot to write last word.
ACHIEVEMENTS
I HAVE..............WON THE TROPHY IN 2006
THANK YOU
Posted by: JAMSHAID OMER | 04 July 2008 at 08:00 PM
hi,my names are alex mex, 10yrs a nigerian born legend.I AM WILLIN 2 play d game football
Posted by: alex mekoma | 05 July 2008 at 01:35 PM
hi, up man u,i will be man u till I die.my name is mukky also a nigerian based in kaduna d place 4 crocodiles and I'm 10 yrs.kindly use this medium or office 2 grant my request
Posted by: muktar idris bala | 05 July 2008 at 01:56 PM
Kieran Lee and David Williams have both signed for Oldham Athletic.
Posted by: AB | 10 July 2008 at 02:44 PM
I want to train this Academy
Posted by: Abasikpongke Cosmas | 11 July 2008 at 07:56 PM
Hiya my name is aviwe and my fwend and i wanna know if its possible 4 us 2 join the academy were both skilled and are 2 footed players im desperate 4 ure answer so please get back at me my pals name is Gavin Monye and im Aviwe Nocanda so please do ure best to help us out to join man U even the academy in England
Posted by: Aviwe Nocanda | 12 July 2008 at 09:48 AM
I am a 10 years old football in michigan in portage people say im a miniture cristono ronaldo i have the most goals and assits contact number 3536649. HOPE I MAKE IT! manchester united rocks.
Posted by: brady wayne robertson | 13 July 2008 at 01:54 PM
I am a 10 year old boy who lives in portage Michigan and the reason im sending you this is because I want to play football all MY life and people say im a miniture cristono ronaldo. I have great foot skills I can shoot the ball hard in the corners i have a great foot and im a caption and a play center midfeiald.
Posted by: brady wayne robertson | 13 July 2008 at 02:22 PM
how can i get in contact wih manutd soccer academy or the scouting team
Posted by: george | 15 July 2008 at 11:09 PM
my younger brother called Godfred is a very good footballer and he is a liberian. he really wants to join the manchester academy and wants to know how. can we know how he can please.hope his desire will be honoured
george
Posted by: george | 15 July 2008 at 11:27 PM
Hi my name is aviwe nocanda i love u guys ManU rules im called twinkle toes cause im a very fast im the fastest than all the grade 6 and 7s and i have the most goals in my grade so far im only on 12 goals in 14 matches im the freekick and penalty taker in the squade im 11 turning 12 this desember 13th and i love o play the game so i hope i have the qualities to be scouted by Man U my number is 0720356364 home number is 0118027289
Posted by: Aviwe Nocanda | 19 July 2008 at 08:34 AM
Hi my name is aviwe nocanda i love u guys ManU rules im called twinkle toes cause im a very fast im the fastest than all the grade 6 and 7s and i have the most goals in my grade so far im only on 12 goals in 14 matches im the freekick and penalty taker in the squade im 11 turning 12 this desember 13th and i love o play the game so i hope i have the qualities to be scouted by Man U my number is 0720356364 home number is 0118027289
Posted by: Aviwe Nocanda | 19 July 2008 at 08:37 AM
olaoluwa
Age 19
Position striker
Height 1.68 m
Weight 64 k
club radios fc
Country nigeria.
Dear sir i want to play in Yemen pleas help me,i like to play football in my life.
Please give me a chance for 1 month you will not regreat that you give me chance pleas sir, i have ball tallent and ability and strenth to play ball.
I need your help god will help you and your family thank you.........
my phone number.08086328600 thank you...........
Posted by: olaoluwa | 19 July 2008 at 03:09 PM
well am a player. an international student seeking admission into this lovely reds academy if given a chance for trials. so i would like to know more about fees , accomodation, feeding and registration procedures. Thank you
Posted by: Battram Bright | 20 July 2008 at 04:42 PM
I am a talented football who can play any position given to me. please give me a tryal
Posted by: ziblim Joel Nbangba | 20 July 2008 at 08:47 PM
I love to play football but i need help from you please help me out of here...get back to me here gchyka@yahoo.com
Posted by: Ejelonu Chyka Bamidele | 26 July 2008 at 02:37 PM
Sir,
I really like this club very much and i would like to play for Manchester United with all my hard work and devotion to football.I will think myself lucky to be a part of your academy.I am from India.I will give my full efforts and dedication to your club.
contact no 25775979.
Your faithfully,
Manal.
Posted by: manal sudhir dadge | 29 July 2008 at 03:26 PM
i want to play any english football academy now
either chelsea, everton, aseanal academyor man united
Posted by: jerry joy | 30 July 2008 at 09:57 PM
Iam Tanzanian i have 17 years old i would like
to join in machester utd academy.
Posted by: BETRAHAM ABEL | 31 July 2008 at 10:59 AM
Sir,
I m a indian resident and a
Posted by: Manal Sudhir Dadge | 01 August 2008 at 04:39 PM
Sir,
Name : Manal Sudhir Dadge.
Age : 16 years.
Add : 180/6395,Kannamwar nagar 2,Vikhroli {E},
Mumbai-400083,India,
Height : 6 feet,
Weight : 57 kg,
Nationality : Indian,
Position : Left forward,
E-mail id : manaldadge@yahoo.co.in,
Contact no : 25775979,
Religion : Hindu,
Date of birth : 10 th may,1992,
Education : SSC passed 83%
College : Vikas high school and junior college,
Club : YOUNGUNS FOOTBALL CLUB,
Leagues : MSSA{MUMBAI SCHOOL SPORTS ASSOCIATION}played
twice,MDFA{MUMBAU DISTRICT FOOTBALL
ASSSOCIATION},AHMADSELLERS CUP,
Tournament : ADDIDAS,NIKE,TATA PRIVATE TOURNAMENT,
Reputation : Captain and man of the match for 2 times in
Private tournaments,
Health : Excellent with no other injuries and totally
Immunized.
I am a big fan of Manchester United Football Club and dream of playing with this club.Hope you consider my request and give me a chance to show my skills.
Posted by: Manal Sudhir Dadge | 01 August 2008 at 05:11 PM
Hello sir,
Am really glad to write the letter to you sir and i will like to introduces myself to you,Am sheriff from Nigeria and i was born in 1994 and i grow up in Nigeria and i enjoy playing football and i really want to show myself to the wholeworld the skill i have and to show all the world that am good enough to be in your academy sir.
i will like to hear from you sir if my letter we be favour me to join academy.........
Sheriff.........
Posted by: Sheriff | 02 August 2008 at 05:38 PM
Hi sir
My name is jerry joy quaye,I am 13 years of age.I was born on tuesday 18 april 1995 i am a ghanaian and played for kate known as manchester babies then i have played for vision f.c they are located in madina accra.I can play all the position you give me. I will to play for your academy. I will very to hear from you soon.
Thank you
Posted by: Jerry Joy Quaye | 03 August 2008 at 06:05 PM
I am Hassan Audu from Nigeria.I am sixteen and i will like to play at manchester united.It has been my dream since the day i started playing football.I was the2nd highest goal scorer for my team (FC Tornados)and i was the 3rd best player in the league.Well i most say i have a very good experience when it comes to scoring.My role model is C.ronaldo and it will be a great honor to play beside him and other united players.I also want Sir Alex to be my coach because it seems like time is running out.All i want is to fulfill this dream because my parents are poor and they think im wasting my time over football.
thank you for reading this i'll be glad to hear from you.
Hassan D audu
Posted by: Hassan D audu | 06 August 2008 at 09:03 PM
Hi,
I have a seven(7)year old son whose name is Ahmed.We are staying in Dar es salaam Tanzania.He really like football n a very good man u fan.I can say he is talented in playing soccer.Is there a way you can help to build these young generation skill?
Best regards,
Mom Sabrina.
Posted by: Sabrina | 07 August 2008 at 07:46 PM
Hi, I want my son to join the academy and want to know how to go about it.He plays for a local team and is a big united supporter and would love to learn more and what better place to learn than with your academy.
Posted by: Hafiza Bhagat | 11 August 2008 at 12:29 AM
MY IS VALENTIME UZOMA FROM NIGRIA. I LOVE LIVERPOOL AS A TEAM,IAM 16 YEAR OLD .I WISH TO PLAY FOR LIVERPOOL BECAUSE THE CLUB IS MY DREAMTHANK...
Posted by: mr valentime | 11 August 2008 at 02:11 PM
Dear I am storm modzaka from Ghana. I want to play in your club. Really believe me I am a best player. Many people say that i have to play in a bigger academy club. 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 here in Ghana is all about money and bribe so please help me. Our country is full of bribery that why we don't develop and also win medals. The rich who don't know how to play are taken because they have the money.I know how to play but don't have the money so i was drop out of the national under 17 championship.I want to play for Manchester Academy and also natualize myself to Englad's national team. I need just a right opportunity for that I can bring more reward for your club and improve in my life. So I will hope that you will give the right opportunity and oblige there . I can send my pics and international passport photograph.
contact number>+233272605920
home number>+233249475905
may God bless you for your good work
thanks you. You can also send me messages and informations about the team through my yahoo adress.
Posted by: Storm Modzaka | 13 August 2008 at 03:09 PM
dear sir,
complement of the season my names are CHRISTOPHER KINGSLEY NZUBE, i am 12yrs old i am a nigerian. my father is dead but i live with my mother in a city called lagos. i am a good and discipline striker i am also a tremendous goal scorer i play like thierry henry of barcelona fc. but i play for locall side called allstar football academy here in nigeria i have an international passport. so i am apealling for you to give me a trial in europe. i promise to exposed to the entire soccer world in the nearest future.please reply so i can send CV&pictures at once.
GOD bless you as you grant my request.
THANKS yours striker
Christopher kingsley.
+2348037595665
nzube4soccer@yahoo.com
Posted by: kingsley nzube christopher | 13 August 2008 at 10:54 PM