The tradition of including an academy player in every matchday squad for Manchester United, a record that spans 88 years, continued against Tottenham Hotspur, even in light of a significant injury setback.
Academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo missed the London trip due to a minor injury, putting the club’s impressive streak in jeopardy.
However, manager Ruben Amorim ensured the record remained intact by including midfielder Jack Fletcher in the squad for the 4,333rd consecutive match.
Since 1937, United has consistently included an academy player in their matchday squad.
While Mainoo had been the sole academy representative in the first-team setup for the last four matches, he was replaced by Fletcher for the game against Tottenham.
Fletcher, 18, who has yet to make his first-team debut, is the son of United legend Darren Fletcher.
“Continuing this academy record is really important,” Amorim shared with TNT Sports.
“We are at a point where taking shortcuts for immediate success would be a mistake. There is something special about our club that must remain steadfast. How we conduct ourselves and our feelings for the club are crucial.
“We will not move away from our commitment to developing academy players, regardless of results. These are the foundational details that make our club unique.
“We have this record, and we won’t let it break. Jack is prepared to contribute.”
Jack and his twin brother Tyler joined Manchester United from Manchester City’s academy two years ago.
Jack plays for England’s under-19 team, while Tyler represents Scotland’s youth side.
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Tom Heaton and Tyler Fredricson are additional players who have previously featured in United’s first-team squads.
Starting 88 years ago with players Tom Manley and Jack Wassall facing Fulham, United’s commitment to including an academy player in every matchday squad is a proud tradition.
Tottenham XI: Vicario, Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Paulinha, Spence, Sarr, Johnson, Simons, Richarlison, Kolo Muani.
Substitutes: Kinsky, Danso, Tel, Odobert, Udogie, Bentancur, Scarlett, Akhamrich, Rowswell.
Manchester United XI: Lammens, De Ligt, Maguire, Shaw, Mazraoui, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Dorgu, Amad, Mbeumo, Cunha.
Substitutes: Bayindir, Yoro, Dalot, Mount, Zirkzee, Sesko, Ugarte, Heaven, Fletcher.