Dan Ashworth's philosophy proves he is the right fit for Manchester United

Of Manchester United's five victories in 2024 thus far, it is the 2-0 triumph over Wigan Athletic in the third round of the FA Cup that was the most lifeless.

Played in front of Ineos pair Sir Dave Brailsford and Jean-Claude Blanc, who watched from the DW Stadium's directors' box, United strolled their way to a routine victory. Diogo Dalot provided a touch of brilliance to open the scoring before fellow countryman Bruno Fernandes dispatched a penalty after half-time.

Such was the relatively low-key nature of the contest, one of the biggest post-match talking points was the debut of Omari Forson. A regular in and around the first-team squad in recent weeks, the winger became the 249th academy graduate to represent the club at first-team level.

READ MORE: Real life of United investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe

READ MORE: Southampton issue fresh response to United's interest in Jason Wilcox

After Tom Manley became the club's inaugural academy graduate to play for the first-team in 1931, 248 youngsters have followed in his footsteps. United have a proud history when it comes to developing from within, with countless big-name stars coming through the ranks at Carrington before being granted permission to strut their stuff for the first-team on the Old Trafford dance floor.

In recent years, Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho are the most exciting prospects to have graduated to the first-team, but all eyes are now on who will become the 250th academy star to make the step up. Even through the difficulties the club has faced over the past decade, the academy has remained a hotbed for talent.

It has been United's haven and they will not stop producing young talent. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have spent time looking at the