Manchester United are planning to revamp their youth structure by hiring full-time junior coaches and potentially building an academy stadium next to Old Trafford, according to The Times.
The Reds have been known for producing some of the greatest homegrown players to grace the English game, from the Busby Babes in the 1950s to George Best in 1960s and most recently, the Class of 92.
But there has been upheaval in the academy ranks, with long-time academy director Brian McClair leaving to take up a role with the Scottish FA in February.
Sources inside the club accept that the club are playing catch up and lag behind rivals such as Chelsea and Manchester City in pursuit of the world’s best youngsters.
They see the need to overhaul the coaching, education, scouting and facilities in order to retain the “soul and identity” of a youth system that still provides the best opportunity for a route into the first team of one of England’s top clubs.
The Times say that two senior figures will be hired to run a new-look academy, with one looking after coaching, while the other will be tasked with recruitment and administrative responsibilities.
They go on to add that discussions have taken place about a purpose-built stadium for youth and academy matches that would ideally be located at Old Trafford.
Academy matches are currently played at United’s training complex in Carrington, which was considered to be state-of-the-art when it opened back in 2000.
However, the Under-21s have not had a permanent home for years and they currently play at Leigh Sports Village, which also hosted United’s Under-19 UEFA Youth League games.
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