Man dis-United? Red Devils snub club's famed academy as their sons join other teams
Manchester United’s very own don’t seem to have much faith in their club’s youth system.
The Premier League side’s reputation for youth development is considered a part of club folklore, having produced the Busby Babes and the Class of ’92.
But several Red Devils players and former stars have chosen to send their sons to the youth systems of other clubs.
Perhaps the most famous is Brooklyn Beckham, who recently posted a picture of himself with his teammates in Arsenal’s Under-16 side.
The son of the Old Trafford favourite signed with the Gunners late last year, having previously gone on trial with Manchester United and Chelsea.
Goldenballs’ other sons Cruz and Romeo both also turn out for Arsenal’s youth teams.
But Becks isn’t the only alumni of the Class of ’92 whose kid has shunned Old Trafford.
Manchester Evening News last year reported that Phil Neville’s son Harvey trained with the academy of local rivals Manchester City.
United’s arch-rivals seem to be a favourite with the offspring of Red Devils.
Both Robin van Persie’s and Darren Fletcher’s sons train with the Citizens’ youth teams.
A source told Manchester Evening News: “There’s quite a bit of surprise about it.
“You would have thought that if they were going to be with anyone it would have been United.”
Source: Manchester Evening News, Mail Online, Sport.net
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