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Manchester United have always regarded the academy as the lifeblood of the club.
Youth history
From the rampaging Busby Babes of the 1950s to the Class of 92, United’s success has always been interlinked with their youth products.
In the current squad, academy graduate and Youth Cup winner Kobbie Mainoo has arguably established himself as United’s most important midfielder.
The Red Devils also gave debuts to numerous Carrington products last season, including Jack and Tyler Fletcher, Shea Lacey, and Bendito Mantato.
With former player Michael Carrick named permanent manager, he is surely likely to give more first-team debuts next season as the world awaits the highly talented 15-year-old, JJ Gabriel, to get his chance in front of an expectant Old Trafford.
New additions
The club’s official website has announced the new list of players who have signed their first-year scholarship contracts with the club ahead of the 2026/2027 campaign.
The site adds that, “the special occasion was formally marked in a ceremony held at Old Trafford’s Manchester Suite, with family and friends getting the opportunity to celebrate the youngsters’ outstanding achievement.”
Academy director Stephen Torpey spoke at the ceremony, telling the youngsters and the audience, “I feel privileged to carry the baton forward as the next custodian of this football club’s great Academy.”
Two of the most famous names on the list are sons of former players.
The manager’s own son, Jacey Carrick, is one of the players who signed a deal, and Kai Rooney was also a part of the ceremony.
Defender Harley Emsden-James, signed from Southampton last summer, is also one of the players to receive a contract.
Here is a list of the 15 players who have all signed new contracts with the club:
Jaume Camacho Sidos (Midfielder)
Jacey Carrick (Midfielder)
Edson Dejonge-Seiros (Forward)
Harley Emsden-James (Defender)
Idris Fabiyi (Defender)
Jake Ford (Goalkeeper)
Gazimagamed Ibragimov (Defender)
Connor Laurie (Defender)
Harlem McLaughlin (Midfielder)
Camron Mpofu (Forward)
Jodie Nganga (Midfielder)
Samuel O’Brien (Defender)
Kai Rooney (Forward)
Pharell Silvester (Midfielder)
Emmanuel Ziro (Midfielder)
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