Manchester United to lose top academy coach to Premier League rival

Brentford have poached highly coveted Manchester United academy coach Justin Cochrane, according to reports.

The 40-year-old – whose official title was Head of Player Development and Coaching – formed part of the coaching team which helped the Red Devils win the FA Youth Cup this year for the first time since 2011.

He is very well regarded at Old Trafford for the impact he has had on improving the club’s young players, though has harboured a desire to move into senior coaching.

According to The Athletic, Thomas Frank’s side have now won the race to secure Cochrane’s services as a first-team coach, with United not prepared to offer him a role under Erik ten Hag.

He joins three other coaches in leaving United’s academy this year following the departures of Neil Ryan, Neil Wood and Alan Fettis.

The former Antigua and Bermuda international enjoyed a 13-year playing career, featuring for the likes of Queens Park Rangers and Crewe Alexander.

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Before joining United, he worked with Tottenham’s underage groups, helping to develop players such as Japhet Tanganga and Oliver Skipp.

The coach, who only joined the club last summer, is a big loss to new manager Erik ten Hag who desires a strong academy.

The Dutchman is looking to sign established players this summer, with Christian Eriksen and Frenkie de Jong heavily linked with a move to Manchester.

But upon his arrival at Old Trafford, the 52-year-old has suggested he will look to improve the group at his disposal, which is likely to include the club’s young players.

At Ajax, Ten Hag was praised for unearthing stars like Donny van de Beek and De Jong.

He said: ‘The season before,