Heighway leaves Reds academy post

[Phil Eel]

Winning the Youth Cup two seasons in a row obviously is too much success for Rafa.

I think it's more the fact that for some bizarre reason, he has no influence nor control over the development of young players in an Academy where, despite mega investment, very few players make it through to the first team.

For me it's simple, the manager controls the way we play, the type of players he wants and the ethos drilled in them, from the moment they walk through the door, they should be groomed to be in the first team.

That's the way United's Academy works. Like it or not, they have enjoyed greater success in bringing players through to the first team.

[El Jefecito]

I think it's more the fact that for some bizarre reason, he has no influence nor control over the development of young players in an Academy where, despite mega investment, very few players make it through to the first team.

Mega investment? Justify that assertion.

That's the way United's Academy works. Like it or not, they have enjoyed greater success in bringing players through to the first team.

The Scholes/Giggs/Neville generation aside who has come through? No-one of note. Why do you think Manure over-spend on transfers? They have to, because their system works as well (or bad) as ours.

At least we won 3 youth cups under SH.

[dww]

They haven't bought through any wonder players but you have to say that Fletcher, Brown and O'Shea have all been more useful for them than any homegrown players in our squad who broke through after Gerrard. It's not all about producing world beaters, having players that fit effortlessly into the teams way of playing and are half decent are a hugely valuable asset.

[El Jefecito]

They haven't bought through any wonder players but you have to say that Fletcher, Brown and O'Shea have all been more useful for them than any homegrown players in our squad who broke through after Gerrard. It's not all about producing world beaters, having players that fit effortlessly into the teams way of playing and are half decent are a hugely valuable asset.

Fletcher was bought and the other two are only good enough for when the squad is decimated with injuries.

I bet we have more players from our academy playing at a decent level than do Manure.

[dww]

Fletcher was bought and the other two are only good enough for when the squad is decimated with injuries.

I bet we have more players from our academy playing at a decent level than do Manure.

Wikipedia says Fletcher joined United as a trainee in 2000.

The other two are good enough to mean that they don't drop points in a championship race when they have a lot of injuries. I said they weren't world beaters but they play a very valuable role in the squad. We haven't brought through comparable players in recent years.

What do you mean by your last statement? Players on loan or players sold on? Or just doing better at youth level?

[El Jefecito]

Wikipedia says Fletcher joined United as a trainee in 2000.

Like you say a trainee. Not through the academy.

[Red_Polo]

Like you say a trainee. Not through the academy.

A trainee is a non-pro player who is trained by the academy rather than a pro who is trained by senior team coaches

[El Jefecito]

A trainee is a non-pro player who is trained by the academy rather than a pro who is trained by senior team coaches

He couldn't go through the academy he was from outside their catchment area.

[enema of the state]

you have to say that Fletcher, Brown and O'Shea have all been more useful for them than any homegrown players in our squad who broke through after Gerrard.

is the bottom line