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Manchester United is a club well known for its elite academy. It has been one of the most prestigious football academies in the world. Time and time again they have produced world-class talents that have gone on to be winners at the club. George Best, Sir Bobby Charlton, Mark Hughes, and the famed class of 92' including David Beckham and more have gone on to become all-time Manchester United greats. The journey from the Manchester United academy to the first team, and following in the footsteps of these legends of the game, is something that every kid dreams of during their formative years at the club.
Manchester United academy breaking records
The Manchester United academy has broken numerous records over the years. Just a few years ago in December 2019, it was the 4000th senior match in succession in which at least one Manchester United academy graduate was represented in the first-team or matchday squad. It's a record that stretches over nine decades to before the second World War. It shows the incredible quality that their academy has to offer.
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The Red Devils' academy continues to produce top quality talent. Take a look at 5 of the best Manchester United academy graduates from the last decade (2011-2021).
#5 Dean Henderson | Goalkeeper
Dean Henderson joined Manchester United's academy at the age of 14. Starting his career as an outfield player, the shot-stopper is now competing for the top spot at his boyhood club. His journey to the top hasn't been the easiest. His series of loans started with Stockport County, only to be recalled due to a lack of goalkeepers at the club. Following this he went on loan to Grimsby Town. His talent finally shone through when he performed well at Shrewsbury Town, helping the team all the way to the play-off final. He also featured in the team of the season.
After signing a new contract, he joined Sheffield United on loan in search of first-team football. For the next two seasons, he performed brilliantly at the club, guiding them to promotion to the Premier League and was impressive in the top flight as well. After a long and tiring journey, Henderson is now competing with David De Gea to be Manchester United's number 1.
#4 Jesse Lingard | Midfielder
Jesse Lingard began his career at the Manchester United academy back in 2011. Following loan spells at Leicester City, Birmingham and Brighton, he made his debut for the club in the 2014-15 season. Lingard has scored many memorable goals at Manchester United, including the famous FA Cup winner at Wembley against Crystal Palace.
The following season, he scored an incredible solo goal against Leicester City in the Community Shield final. He also won the Europa League and Carabao Cup with Manchester United in the same season. Lingard has been a crucial member of the squad, but since the arrival of Bruno Fernandes, his playing time has reduced considerably. He made the switch to West Ham and has rekindled his form since then. Another gem from the Manchester United academy.
#3 Mason Greenwood | Striker
Mason Greenwood has been the star of the Manchester United academy, rising through the ranks and into the first team. He was given his breakthrough under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his faith has been repaid. Greenwood is widely regarded as the best natural finisher at Manchester United, which says a lot about his talent in a squad full of world-class players. His ability to create space and get his shot off with a minimal backlift gives goalkeepers no chance.
His left-footed shot at the near post is already becoming something of a trademark. Many fans have compared him to former Dutch striker Robin van Persie in terms of style of play. He is incredibly strong on either foot which makes it so difficult to defend him. Greenwood currently plays on the right wing but he has been earmarked as a future striker at Manchester United. With more game time in the physically demanding Premier League and the right guidance under Solskjaer, Greenwood is surely a star for the future.
#2 Marcus Rashford | Winger
This list would not be complete without this man. Marcus Rashford made his debut in the Europa League following an injury to Anthony Martial. With no strikers on the bench, Louis van Gaal was forced to start him up top. He scored a brace on his debut, followed by another against Arsenal in the Premier League. He has not looked back since. Rashford has now developed into a world-class forward blessed with mind-blowing pace and trickery.
He's a big game player as well, scoring against the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Spurs. He has already established himself as a regular in the team. Coming through the Manchester United academy, he has won the FA Cup, Europa League, and Carabao cup with the first team. Still 23, he has plenty of time and potential to get even better and become a Manchester United legend.
#1 Paul Pogba | Midfielder
Paul Pogba: World Cup winner. Paul Pogba is undoubtedly the most successful Manchester United academy graduate of recent times. Albeit a lot of this success came outside United. He's also the only academy graduate that cost them a fortune. It all started when Pogba left as a young free agent after a disagreement between Sir Alex Ferguson and his agent Mino Raiola.
Pogba joined Juventus and the world took notice. He established himself as a world-class young midfielder, who flourished in the Serie A. He honed his skills in the league and had all the big clubs looking at him. Manchester United eventually swooped in, paying a then world-record fee.
Under Jose Mourinho, Pogba won the Europa League and Carabao Cup. Since then, Pogba has been the talk of the town at United, with his stint being full of drama and fans polarized in opinion. The incredibly talented Frenchman could be on his way out, with PSG interested. But there is no denying Pogba has been the best Manchester United academy graduate of recent times.
