Many clubs claim they pride themselves on their youth systems but there isn’t another academy in the country to have committed so much to youth and that’s been backed up this season with United handing more Premier League appearances to academy graduates than any other club in the division.http://bit.ly/33N4mRz

But why do United believe they’re the best?

“Nicky (Butt) and I talk about our most important ingredients for potential talent and it’s obvious that skills, athleticism and character is key. You need to have all those three things. But, at United, understanding what you’re part of is non-negotiable,” Head of Academy Nick Cox told Goal. “What we are at Manchester United, no matter what your role, is a guardian of the culture and values.

“Many of those culture and values were laid down by Sir Matt (Busby) and Jimmy Murphy when the fateful day happened in Munich. The way the club picked itself up and galvanised itself to be successful in the face of adversity in the 10 years that followed Munich is the values that the club is built on and it’s really important the boys understand it.”

Cox replaced Nicky Butt last summer, with the treble winner moving to become Head of Football Development in a role further linking the club’s youth teams with the first team. While he had previous Premier League experience with Watford and a spell at Sheffield United, it is the set up at Carrington that has impressed him the most.