Ryan Giggs: Manchester United will never abandon youth policy
A homegrown Manchester United player has been sold to Premier League rivals and over £150 million (S$307 million) was spent on replacements but Manchester United will never abandon its famous youth policy, said Ryan Giggs.
The legend, now assistant coach of the club, said the Red Devils will always give youth a chance.
Giggs, who joined United as a 14-year-old, made his debut aged 17. He retired as a player last season at 40 years old - after nearly 1,000 matches.
Speaking at the Soccerex Global Convention yesterday (Sept 10), he said they were proud of the youth system that “separates United from other clubs.”
Giggs conferring with Louis Van Gaal. Photo: Reuters
“The history of the club has been to play exciting football and give youngsters a chance, and that won’t change,” said Giggs.
“Ok, Danny has left (for Arsenal), which is obviously disappointing because you never want to see a homegrown player leave. But we have got a manager now, Louis Van Gaal, who gave Clarence Seedorf his chance, Patrick Kluivert his chance, Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Thomas Mueller their chance when they were young.
“He has a track record of giving youngsters a chance.
"Tyler Blackett has played every game this season, then you’ve got (Adnan) Januzai, James Wilson coming through so players will always leave but we have to make sure youngsters come through because United fans demand it.
Tyler Blackett grabbing his chance. Photo: Action Images
United are going through a period of transition: Scot Alex Ferguson retired last year, replacement David Moyes had a short-lived tenure and Dutchman Louis Van Gaal arrived before the current campaign.
United are without European football for the first time in two decades, and have yet to win a game this season.
Source: Reuters
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