Ineos changes and the hidden gem - the inside story of Manchester United's academy this season

Manchester United's academy has reached the halfway point of the campaign and there is plenty to digest. The academy enjoyed one of its finest seasons in 2023/24 but club staff have been intent on moving forwards, developing more young players and targeting even more success.

The Manchester Evening News has covered more academy games than any other outlet and the purpose of this article is to provide insight into the last six months in the youth set-up.

There have been memorable wins, brilliant individual performances, promising youngsters promoted to first-team training and squads, and a first senior appearance handed out.

There have also been changes - a mix of good and not so good. Ineos have begun to have an impact, Erik ten Hag left the club and some academy staff have felt added pressure.

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The Under-18s won a remarkable treble last term, winning two of those trophies at the expense of Manchester City, and members of that talented side have transitioned to the Under-21s.

There was a feeling that supremely talented U18 side could be on par with the Class of '22, which included Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, so supporters are hoping at least one player will be able to break into the first-team squad and, more importantly, stay there permanently.

The likes of Ethan Wheatley, Jack Fletcher, Jayce Fitzgerald, Harry Amass, Jack Kingdon and Louis Jackson and are among the promising youngsters who starred in that campaign.

Wheatley and Amass were taken to the United States for pre-season in the summer. Wheatley became the 250th player to make a debut from United's academy in