Academy Weekly: Celebrating exam results

The Under-18s put in an impressive display at Manchester City for an opening day victory in the U18 Premier League, which they won last season, before defeating Leicester City in the U18 PL Cup on Tuesday afternoon. Meanwhile, the Under-21s backed up a wonderful comeback EFL Trophy win with a four-goal haul at home to Stoke City.

Players involved in all of those wins were receiving exam results during August, and all Academy staff, especially those in the Education department, were proud of their efforts.

At GCSE level, students across the country were collecting their results last Thursday, and our players were no different. The majority of our new scholars achieved excellent grades, with a dozen grade 8s (equivalent to A* in the old system) and six grade 9s, the highest possible grade.

More than 85% of second-year scholars achieved their target grade or above, with 10 achieving a Btec Extended Diploma (worth three ‘A’ Levels), including five full distinction profiles (Tom Myles, Ruben Curley, Louis Jackson, Jack Kingdon and James Nolan). Another 10 have successfully completed the Sporting Excellence Professional (SEP) at Distinction level while three are at the mid-point of their ‘A’ Level programmes.

“As an Education team, we are delighted with the achievements of our players across our Academies over the last year,” said Ian Smithson (Head of Education).

“As well as seeing some significant successes in final outcomes at both GCSE and Btec level, we are delighted that some players are embarking on ‘A’ Level study, with academic options now part of the curriculum we offer for players, alongside our well-established first-class vocational courses.

“Similarly, players in our U21 age groups are taking the opportunity to further themselves by taking on part-time degrees and Education short courses. This bodes well for the future, as young players demonstrate a real commitment to their personal development, and our programme is evolving to enable this.”

Two Under-21 players (Sonny Aljofree and Dermot Mee) have begun a three-year part-time Bachelor of Arts honours degree with the Professional Football Association (PFA) in Football and Business Management, with six signing up for short courses in Entrepreneurship and Cybersecurity at the University Academy 92 (UA92).

“Five girls finished their PGA journey with two players now already in the USA starting their degrees and enjoying American life,” explains Vanessa Walker (Education Officer).

“All girls secured the Extended Diploma in Sport with one achieving the highest grade possible of D*D*D*.

“The new cohort received their GCSE results this week with some outstanding grades, well done to all. Special mention to one particular player who achieved five grade 9s amongst her 8s and 7s! All will start their A Levels and BTECs in September.”

U18s BEGIN LEAGUE AND CUP CAMPAIGNS WITH WINS

The U18s, reigning league champions, made the perfect start to the domestic season by earning a 2-0 win away at rivals Manchester City.

With a controlled display at the City Football Academy, United scored twice in the second half through Gabriele Biancheri and Bendito Mantato.

The young Reds followed up that success with a 2-1 win over Leicester City in the U18 Premier League Cup group stages. Biancheri equalised for United after Olabade Aluko’s strike for the Foxes before dispatching a 97th-minute penalty for a dramatic late victory.

UNDER-21s SECURE FIRST PL2 POINTS

The U21s followed up their own dramatic win — 3-2 at Barnsley in the EFL Trophy group stages — with a 4-1 home triumph over Stoke City last Friday night. Jack Fletcher scored his third goal of the season before a Malachi Sharpe double and another from Sam Mather wrapped things up. 

OYEDELE DEPARTS

Salford-born midfielder Maxi Oyedele has completed a permanent move from Manchester United to Legia Warsaw.

The 19-year-old helped United win the 2022 FA Youth Cup and had been a regular for our U18s and U21s in recent years. He’s experienced senior football at Altrincham and Forest Green Rovers on loan and has proved himself sufficiently to earn a transfer to Legia Warsaw in Poland, who he represents at international youth level.

"My time at Manchester United has finally come to end," Maxi posted on Instagram. "I want to say thank you to the only club I’ve ever known. Honoured to say I’ve been at the club for 12 years and had some unbelievable experiences with some amazing teammates.

"Thank you to all the coaches, staff and the fans, I will never forget the memories I have made at this club. I wish everyone at Manchester United all the best as I leave ready to start the next chapter of my career. This club will always be my home and, once again, thank you."

We wish you all the best for the future, Maxi!

HANNIBAL LEAVES FOR BURNLEY

Best wishes to Hannibal, who departs for Burnley in a permanent transfer after five years at United.

The Tunisia international joined our youth system from Monaco in 2019, and has since gone on to make 13 first-team appearances for the club.

Hannibal became the 239th graduate from our Academy in 2021, when he made his first-team debut against Wolves, just three days after being named as our Denzil Haroun Reserve Player of the Year.

He scored his only senior goal for the Reds in 2023, netting from long range in a 3-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford.

In the 2022/23 season, the midfielder went on loan to Championship side Birmingham City, and he spent the second half of last term at Spanish outfit Sevilla.

After spending pre-season and the start of 2024/25 as part of Erik ten Hag's squad, he now joins Burnley, who are looking to make an instant return to the Premier League under new manager Scott Parker, following their relegation last term.

"It has been an honour to represent this club for the last five years," Hannibal said.

"I leave with so many special memories. Making my debut, scoring at Old Trafford and representing United in the Champions League.

"I'll forever be grateful to the many staff and players who have helped me develop as a player and grow from a boy to the man that I am today."

We wish you the best of luck with your next steps, Hannibal!

COMING UP THIS WEEK

Our U21s return to PL2 action on Friday evening, taking on Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park in a 19:00 BST kick-off. The U18s face Liverpool on Saturday morning (11:00 BST). Both games will be live on MUTV.

Staff will also be preparing for the UEFA Youth League draw, the relevant section of which takes place for United on Tuesday 3 September in Nyon, Switzerland. Managed by Adam Lawrence, our U19s will compete in the ‘Domestic Champions’ pathway after lifting the U18 Premier League national title last season.