Manchester United's academy has faced criticism but has reached the FA Youth Cup final and the U21s have made the PL2 play-off final. Academy director Stephen Torpey outlines his plans to restore the academy's elite status in European football.
Key points
Manchester United's academy faced criticism from Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
The academy reached the FA Youth Cup final this season.
The U21s advanced to the PL2 play-off final.
Stephen Torpey is the new academy director.
Torpey aims to restore the academy's elite status.
Mentioned in this story
Manchester UnitedStephen TorpeySir Jim Ratcliffe
FA Youth CupPL2 play-off
Manchester United's academy came under scrutiny earlier this season when Sir Jim Ratcliffe said it had "slipped".
Since then, United have reached the FA Youth Cup final - the most prestigious fixture at that level in England, and the U21s have reached the PL2 play-off final.
The man leading Carrington's next generation is United's academy director, Stephen Torpey. He began his role at the club in September after redeveloping Brentford's youth programme while also spending previous spells at Liverpool and Manchester City.
Torpey works alongside Jason Wilcox, United's director of football, to develop the club's academy to return to being amongst Europe's elite.
Sitting down before Thursday's FA Youth Cup final with Sky Sports News, Torpey explained just how he plans to do that.
"On a personal level, I like being part of things that are exciting and there is no more exciting opportunity than the Manchester United academy," Torpey said.
"Our ambition, our purpose is to be the greatest developers of football excellence and that's the greatest there is today, the greatest there was and maybe the greatest there will ever be.
"For us to do that, it's going to be a big task to continue the work that we've done - now it's about us looking at ways to be unique, to be innovative and ultimately help these young people fulfil their potential.
Q&A
What did Sir Jim Ratcliffe say about Manchester United's academy?
Sir Jim Ratcliffe stated that Manchester United's academy had 'slipped' earlier this season.
Who is Stephen Torpey and what is his role at Manchester United?
Stephen Torpey is the academy director at Manchester United, having taken on the role in September after developing Brentford's youth programme.
What achievements have Manchester United's youth teams accomplished recently?
Manchester United's youth teams have reached the FA Youth Cup final and the U21s have advanced to the PL2 play-off final.
What are Stephen Torpey's plans for Manchester United's academy?
Stephen Torpey plans to work with Jason Wilcox to develop the academy and restore its status among Europe's elite.
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"If we can do that - then we'll give a lot of these young people a great opportunity to fulfil their dreams to play out in the Premier League at Old Trafford and represent Manchester United."
The FA Youth Cup final will provide the perfect stage for United's U18s to begin the fulfilment of their dreams. The trophy is held to a unique regard at Old Trafford, with United having lifted the Youth Cup a record 11 times. United were the first club to win the competition, with the famous Busby Babes winning it five times in a row.
Man City's Joie Stadium
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Man City's Joie Stadium will host the FA Youth Cup final
City have dominated the competition in the last decade, reaching the final eight out of the last 11 finals, but Darren Fletcher's side will be looking to win their first Youth Cup final since 2022 - a side that featured Kobbie Mainoo in a triumphant win at Old Trafford.
News that the final will be staged at the Joie Stadium rather than the Etihad has been disappointing for all involved. Since the FA Youth Cup reverted to a one-game final rather than over two legs after COVID, all five finals since have been held at Premier League stadiums.
However, due to scheduling issues with hosting it at the Etihad, City have decided to host it at their 7,000 capacity academy and Women's ground.
With an opportunity missed for fans to see potentially stars of the future. It is also a huge shame for the players themselves, who will miss out on playing at a Premier League stadium for the biggest game of their careers, a sentiment Torpey shares.
"I think playing in the Youth Cup final is something that every young player who's in the academy system strives for."
"Certainly in this country, it's deemed as the most important competition and we take it seriously.
"We play to develop but also play to win that competition and therefore adjust the way we attack that competition in terms of the line-ups and who plays and who doesn't.
"I think it would be wrong to say we're not disappointed on behalf of the players, but ultimately it's still a football pitch.
"We would have liked more people to witness it, but ultimately, now it's a test of whether our boys can concentrate on football, which is the most important thing."
Though an opportunity to play at a Premier League ground may have been lost, the chance to see United's brightest young stars who will have one eye on being a part of Michael Carrick's [or whoever else could be in charge] come pre-season in July.
United will have a reduced first-team presence when they take on Wrexham in their first pre-season game this summer as a result of the World Cup, so spots will be up for grabs for some of Carrington's finest.
JJ Gabriel scored for Manchester United at Old Trafford
Image:
JJ Gabriel scored for Manchester United at Old Trafford
One that has caused much excitement is 15-year-old JJ Gabriel.
Gabriel is arguably the hottest prospect out of Carrington since the Class of 92 and his form - this season has backed up his undeniable talent. The young attacking midfielder has 23 goals in 23 games at U18 level.
The club themselves have clearly tried to show Gabriel - he has a big future at the club as well. He was pictured at the start of the season in former head coach Ruben Amorim's office, as a clear sign of a pathway to the first team if he continued to develop.
He has also been seen training with United's first team more and more frequently as the season has progressed. Although, he was too young this season to be involved in any Premier League matchday squads, he turns 16 next season which means he will be eligible to play if his progression continues.
Manchester United celebrate JJ Gabriel's opener in the FA Youth Cup semi-final
Image:
Manchester United celebrates JJ Gabriel's opener in the FA Youth Cup semi-final
However, Torpey has urged caution about placing too much expectation on the young star.
"At his age, what he's accomplishing at the moment is terrific and we're really proud of that.
"We've got to be careful that we don't get too carried away with all of our players and put unnecessary pressure on them - we just need to create that environment where he can go and be himself and when we do that, like we've seen this season, he's produced some unbelievable things."
The caution is understandable with someone who is a year off sitting his GCSEs. Still, with Gabriel becoming more present in the first team, which means more involvement in commercial duties, social media, and other areas. It is hard not to contribute to the excitement around the 15-year-old.
Making the pre-season squad has to be a realistic aim for Gabriel, but does Torpey think he's ready?
"Ultimately, I'm not the head coach of Manchester United and there are a lot of things that will need to happen for that to come to fruition," Torpey said.
"The most important thing is he keeps his feet on the ground, which he does and he performs and works hard every single day.
"Then who knows? His talent will shine. If he continues to grow and develop in the way that he's done this season, like others, then he'll give the head coach some decisions to make."
