Manchester United’s Academy Streak Continues Despite Key Injury

Manchester, England – Manchester United‘s long-standing record of including an academy player in every matchday squad since 1937 was preserved on Saturday against Tottenham, despite an injury to midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.

Mainoo, 20, did not travel to London for the Premier League match due to a minor injury, putting the record at risk. However, coach Ruben Amorim named 18-year-old Jack Fletcher in the squad, ensuring the streak reached a remarkable 4,333 consecutive games.

The club has included an academy graduate in every matchday squad for 88 years, starting with Tom Manley and Jack Wassall during a game against Fulham in October 1937.

Amorim expressed the significance of maintaining this tradition. “It’s really important to keep our academy record going,” he told TNT Sports. “We are in a moment where cutting corners for immediate success is the wrong approach. The way we behave and feel about the club should remain steadfast. We will not stop promoting our academy players, regardless of match outcomes. Jack is ready to help us continue this legacy.”

Fletcher has not made his first-team debut yet but was on the bench multiple times last season. He and his twin brother, Tyler, joined United from Manchester City‘s academy in 2023. Jack is currently part of England’s Under-19 team, while Tyler represents Scotland.

Other academy players have periodically been included, with the club classifying a homegrown player as someone who signed before age 21 and has not played for another senior team. Goalkeeper Tom Heaton, another academy graduate, could have been an option but is currently behind Altay Bayındır and Senne Lammens.

Despite recent criticisms of the academy’s standards, Amorim has emphasized his commitment to its values. The record remains a cherished aspect of Manchester United’s identity, representing the club’s rich history of nurturing homegrown talent.