New Manchester United academy chief Stephen Torpey wants to avoid a situation where young players are being put on the bench as a “token gesture” to continue the club’s proud record dating back to 1937.
United head coach Ruben Amorim has already said he would not break the 88-year tradition of always having a player from the club’s academy in the matchday squad.
For the draw at Tottenham earlier this month, it meant England Under-19 midfielder Jack Fletcher being named on the bench with Kobbie Mainoo ruled out by a minor injury.
With Mainoo’s immediate future uncertain, the fear is young players will be put on the bench with no real likelihood of them playing a meaningful role.
It is a situation Torpey, speaking to United’s in-house media for the first time since he joined the club from Brentford in August, wants to avoid.
“We don’t want it to be a token gesture that we have players in our first team to keep a tradition going,” he said.
“We want players who are ready, can make an impact and make our first team better, and who our fans can be proud of.
“There is no greater feeling than one of your own stepping out.”
