Academy Weekly round up FA Youth Cup winners 10 to 16 May 2022

Academy-at-large in attendance

After two years of pandemic-interrupted work and the severe restriction of social meetings between colleagues, Wednesday proved a wonderful chance for Academy staff to meet up en masse once again. All were in attendance to celebrate, as well as members of every Academy age group side.

Also present were Nicky Butt, Michael Carrick and Kieran McKenna, former coaches who were guests of the Academy and invited as a sign of thanks for the important role they played in the development of this young side. Butt was formerly head of Academy, McKenna lead coach of the Under-18s and Carrick proved a crucial link between the youth teams and the first team during his time as a coach.

Paul McGuinness (former U18s manager), Les Kershaw (former Academy director) and Mike Glennie (former Academy co-ordinator) were also guests of the Academy as thanks for their key roles in the past.

Under-23s show support

At full-time, the U23s squad in attendance sprinted onto the pitch to join the celebrations, demonstrating the friendships forged across age groups inside the Academy. Recently-crowned U23s Player of the Year Alvaro Fernandez joined others – including Hannibal, Shola Shoretire and Teden Mengi – in helping the young Reds relish the moment.

Player of the Year awards

Fernandez was presented with the Denzil Haroun trophy at half-time of the Old Trafford final. Nick Cox explained why the Spanish full-back was chosen:

“Alvaro has been a standout performer from a really strong of players. We deliberately keep this age group young and that is certainly evidenced by the fact that Alvaro has won this award despite only turning 19 in March.

“Alvaro has also been an excellent role model and support for his team-mates, displaying all of the characteristics that the Academy want to see from our young players.

“The opportunities that he has earnt himself to travel with the first-team and experience that environment are extremely well deserved through his hard work and dedication.”