Manchester United have always been a side that takes pride in their youth.
Sir Alex Ferguson once said “Giving young people an opportunity is a fantastic thing and they very seldom let you down. These lads never let me down when they put that jersey on.”
His statement rings true. The legendary manager won it all with his young budding talents and turned them into one of the greatest first-team squads the world has ever seen – winning trophies galore.
United have had some serious success with their academy talents, but who are their greatest academy graduates of all time?
George Best
George Best is one of the world’s biggest-ever footballing superstars.
The Northern Irishman was a dazzling winger, who was a one-of-a-kind footballer back when he played. His immense talent meant he was the poster boy of Sir Matt Busby’s last great United team.
Off-the-field antics limited his career, but he’ll go down as one of the greats nevertheless.
Sir Bobby Charlton
One of the greatest to ever do it in red, Sir Bobby Charlton won it all with United.
He was the goalscorer who propelled them to the European Cup in 1968 whilst also playing a huge part in England’s World Cup win two seasons before.
He also won the Ballon d’Or during his time at Old Trafford – cementing his place amongst the very few elite footballers.
Nicky Butt
Nicky Butt was a key figure in Manchester United‘s Class of ’92.
Butt enjoyed a distinguished 12-year-long career at the club from 1992 to 2004. Although not the flashiest of players, Butt was known for his tenacity and work ethic, which made him a vital presence in midfield during the Red Devils’ treble-winning season in ’99.
He had a knack for breaking up opposition attacks and was well-respected by the gaffer and his peers. An unsung hero, of sorts.
Norman Whiteside
Norman Whiteside was some player for Manchester United.
He enjoyed a remarkable career at United during the 1980s. Emerging as one of the club’s youngest stars, Whiteside’s versatility shone as he seamlessly transitioned between midfield and attack.
Renowned for his composure and physical prowess, he played a pivotal role in United’s triumphs, including the 1983 FA Cup victory.
Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba arrived from Le Havre in 2009 and it was clear the lad was destined to be a superstar.
He was a member of the 2011 FA Youth Cup-winning side, and shortly after broke through to the first-team squad. However, contractual disputes led to his departure in 2012.
As everyone knows, he made a return to Manchester United in 2016. His second tenure at Old Trafford brought trophies such as the Europa League and FA Cup – but ultimately ended sourly, leaving on a free again to Juventus. He never lived up to his extremely high expectations.
Phil Neville
Phil Neville was also a part of the Class of 92′ academy graduates, playing alongside his brother.
Phillip is often referred to as the lesser successful of the two – but still had a remarkable career. An extremely versatile player, Phil Neville could play numerous positions when called upon and always gave his all for the badge.
He was a prominent member of the 1998/99 treble-winning side.
Gerard Pique
Gerard Pique didn’t exactly go on to achieve greatness for Manchester United – but boy did he have an insane career.
He is one of the most decorated footballers of all time, winning 26 major honours, boasting the likes of three Champions Leagues, the World Cup and the European Championship.
This was all at his beloved Barcelona, whom he joined from Manchester United back in 2008 and remained throughout the entirety of his career.
Wes Brown
Wesley Brown is a criminally underrated talent to come out of Manchester United’s academy.
Brown won 11 major trophies with United, including the infamous treble which many forget he was a part of.
He also won the 2008 Champions League trophy in Moscow with United, famously setting up Cristiano Ronaldo for his first-half header.
Mark Hughes
Mark ‘Sparky’ Hughes is a classic tale of how you don’t know what you have until it’s gone.
He was snapped up by Barcelona as a 19-year-old after graduating from United’s academy back in 1986. However, Ferguson and the owners quickly signed him back and Hughes would go on to become one of the best players in the club’s history.
On his return, he won two Premier League titles, three FA Cups and many more at Old Trafford.
Gary Neville
Gary Neville is regarded as one of the greatest full-backs of all time, although he certainly doesn’t do himself any favours.
The Class of ’92 academy graduate was an ever-present figure throughout the Ferguson era, spanning a whopping 602 appearances during his time here. He won just about every trophy under the sun, 17 to be exact.
He now resides as an extremely popular pundit, who is still as passionate about the Red Devils as he was i his playing days.
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford is arguably Manchester United’s best academy talent in recent times.
The young forward burst onto the scene under Jose Mourinho, who was forced into starting him due to many injury woes.
Rashford scored two goals on both his first-team and European debut against Midtjylland in the Europa League in February 2016 and his Premier League debut against Arsenal three days later.
Darren Fletcher
Another underrated academy talent is that of Darren Fletcher.
The Scotsman was a warrior on the pitch and was a simply sublime box-to-box midfielder. He won five Premier League titles during his tenure in Manchester.
He remains at Carrington to this day, currently a member of Erik ten Hag‘s coaching staff.
Nobby Stiles
An undisputed Manchester United and England legend – academy graduate Nobby Stiles was a warrior of a player.
He was integral to England’s 66′ World Cup winning squad and also played a prominent role for the Red Devils in their 1968 European Cup final against Benfica.
He had arguably one of the greatest ever players in Eusebio in his back pocket that day.
Ryan Giggs
Ryan Giggs will go down as a Manchester United icon – despite his off-the-field antics tarnishing his reputation.
At 963 appearances, no one has played more games for the club and probably ever will. During this time, he also won a ridiculous 25 major honours, including 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League’s and the rest.
The Welshman was a tricky winger who only seemed to flourish with age since processing from the academy. Timeless.
David Beckham
Arguably Manchester United’s most famous ever academy graduate, David Beckham is a world-renowned star.
On the pitch, David was magnificent. He could score all sorts of goals, was an extremely hard worker and possessed immense raw talent – which he also showcased many times for his country.
Off the pitch, he also did it all. His devilish good looks and his pop-star wife Victoria ensured he was always plastered on every newspaper across the globe.
Duncan Edwards
Duncan Edwards could have very well gone on to become the greatest player of all time.
The English phenomenon was capable of playing anywhere, dominating whatever role he adapted to on the pitch.
Edwards tragically died as a result of his injuries sustained in the Munich air disaster. An absolute gem, he will always be remembered as one of the best to ever do it.
Paul Scholes
Another member of the Class of ’92, Paul Scholes was a midfield maestro known for his passing, vision, and goal-scoring ability.
He spent his entire career at Manchester United, winning just about everything you potentially could in football.
He was a player well-respected by almost anyone who played against him and is undoubtedly one of the greatest midfielders of all time.